Baked beans are the perfect side dish for summer. This comforting side dish is a must for cookouts and summer barbeques. Try this homemade baked bean recipe that is naturally sweetened at your next get-together! It's also a great vegetarian option!
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Why You'll Love This Baked Beans Recipe!
Traditional recipes for baked beans rely on a lot of dark brown sugar for sweetness. This homemade baked beans recipe is a delicious alternative. It is also perfect for anyone that is needing a vegetarian version and can be easily adapted for a vegan diet too.
These beans have just enough sweetness and a little smoky flavor from the smoked paprika. If you want to add a little heat you can always add a few red pepper flakes or sauté chopped jalapeno with the onion and bell pepper.
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Equipment Needed
Lodge Dutch oven- is perfect for stove top and oven. It comes in many different colors making it perfect to cook and serve without needing another serving dish. If you do not have a Dutch oven make this in a pot on the stove top and transfer to a casserole dish to bake.
Key Ingredients
great northern beans- are a type of white bean. Look for low-sodium canned beans. If your local grocery store does not have this option, you can drain and rinse the beans (which I always do anyway) to remove about some of the sodium.
barbeque sauce- most store bought bbq sauces have a lot of added sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Look for a sugar-free variety made with natural sweeteners.
tomato paste- is a concentrated form of tomatoes that gives a richer flavor. It is not the same as tomato puree that is basically blended tomatoes.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Oven Method
Preheat oven to 375° F. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over low heat. Add olive oil and sauté the onion and red pepper for about 5 minutes or until soften. Sauté the minced garlic for an additional 30-60 seconds.
Stir in the tomato paste, barbeque sauce, Dijon mustard, spices, apple cider vinegar and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir the sauce to incorporate all of the ingredients. Then add the cans of beans to the pot (I always drain and rinse my beans first).
Add a cup of water to the mixture and give it a good stir. It's okay if the sauce seems a little thin because it will thicken up in the oven.
Cover the beans and transfer the Dutch oven to a preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. If you do not have an oven safe pot, transfer the beans to a baking dish or casserole dish, cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Slow Cooker Method
This easy baked beans recipe can also be made in your slow cooker or crock pot. Follow the oven cooking method to sauté the onions, red pepper and garlic on the stove top and then transfer the sauteed veggies to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and turn it on low heat for 3-4 hours. You may need to add a ¼-1/2 cup additional water to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade baked beans recipe is perfect for summer picnics, cook outs and even holiday dinners. It is the perfect side for Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin or Blackened Chicken Tenders.
Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese, Charred Corn, and Potato Salad are great side dishes to pair with baked beans for a summer pot luck!
Storage And Reheating
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in a sauce pan over medium heat till warmed through. If needed add a splash of water to thin the sauce out.
Baked beans can also be frozen for up to 6 months, so if you want to meal prep this recipe go ahead and make a double batch.
What Are The Best Beans To Buy For Baked Beans?
White beans are typically the type of bean used for baked beans but there are many bean options for homemade baked beans recipe. Navy beans, or sometimes called haricot beans are what is used for commercially produced canned baked beans. Great northern beans or cannellini beans are also great options.
Substitutions And Additions
beans- you can use any type of canned bean in this recipe. Navy beans, kidney beans, butter beans or pinto beans are great options. If you use dry beans you will need to soak them overnight and boil them for an hour before making the recipe.
honey- gives great flavor and is a natural sweetener. Pure maple syrup is also a great option especially if you want to make this a vegan recipe.
What To Serve With Baked Beans? Try These Ideas!
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Homemade Baked Beans Recipe (No Refined Sugar)
Equipment
- Dutch oven or pot
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup sugar-free barbeque sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 15.8 ounce cans great northern beans
- 1 cup water
Instructions
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 375° F.
- Heat an oven safe Dutch oven or large pot over low heat. Once hot add the olive oil.
- Sauté, the onion and red pepper for about 5 minutes or until they are soften. Sauté the garlic for an additional 30-60 seconds.
- Add the barbeque sauce, tomato paste, honey, apple cider vinegar, paprika, smoke paprika, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine ingredients.
- Stir in the cans of drained and rinsed beans and water.
- Cover and place the Dutch oven in preheated oven. Or if you do not have an oven safe Dutch oven, transfer the beans to a small casserole dish and cover to bake.
- Bake for 30 minutes and serve immediately.
Slow Cooker Method
- Heat an oven safe Dutch oven or large pot over low heat. Once hot add the olive oil.
- Sauté, the onion and red pepper for about 5 minutes or until they are soften. Sauté the garlic for an additional 30-60 seconds.
- Transfer saluted veggies to a slow cooker or crockpot.
- Add barbeque sauce, tomato paste, honey, mustard, paprika and smoked paprika to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the cans of drained and rinsed beans and cup of water. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 3-4 hours. If needed add an additional ¼-1/2 cup water.
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