This Southern Baked Beans recipe is hearty, saucy, and full of flavor, just like the kind you find at every good cookout. Made with canned beans, crisp bacon, aromatics, and a sweet and smoky sauce, it's a comforting side dish that always gets scraped clean.
Updated June 2025: Refreshed with helpful tips, storage info, and step-by-step guidance to bring out the best in this classic Southern side dish. Originally posted June 2024.
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Y'all know there are some dishes that just have to show up at a Southern cookout, and baked beans is one of them. I've been making this version for years, especially during summer gatherings with family when the grill is hot and the sides matter just as much as the meat.
This recipe keeps it simple but flavorful, no soaking dry beans or fancy ingredients here. Just canned beans, bacon, sautéed veggies, and a sweet, savory sauce that thickens and caramelizes in the oven. If you're looking for that "scoop it up with your cornbread" kind of side dish, this one's for you.
What You Need to Know First
- Canned Beans Work Just Fine: Don't let anyone tell you canned beans can't be delicious. Use baked beans or pinto beans, just rinse and drain unless already sauced.
- Bacon Makes It Better: Fry your bacon crisp, but don't waste the drippings. You'll use them to cook the onions, peppers, and garlic.
- Customize the Flavor: Want it smoky? Add liquid smoke. Want heat? Try a dash of cayenne or fresh jalapeño.
- Don't Skip the Bake: The sauce needs that time in the oven to thicken, caramelize, and develop deep, rich flavor.
📖 Recipe
Southern Baked Beans Recipe (From Scratch with Canned Beans)
Video
Equipment
- 1 large skillet or braiser
Ingredients
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) canned beans
- 6 to 8 slices bacon
- ⅓ cup onion, diced
- ⅓ cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Begin the recipe by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. and grab an oven-safe skillet, cast iron skillet, or braiser pan. This helps to keep it a one pot recipe.
- Cook the 6 to 8 slices of bacon over medium-high heat until you have crispy bacon. Remove the bacon from the skillet and allow it to drain on paper towels.
- Once the bacon has cooled, cut it into smaller pieces. Carefully remove most of the bacon drippings from the pan leaving behind about 1 to 2 tablespoons.
- Add the ⅓ cup onion, ⅓ cup green bell pepper, 2 cloves minced garlic, and cook until it begins to soften and become fragrant.
- Add the 2 (28 ounce) cans of beans, ¼ cup ketchup, ¼ cup mustard, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons molasses, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Place into the oven to bake for about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Carefully remove the baked beans from the oven and allow serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Give the beans a good stir before serving.
- If you prefer spicy beans, try adding in some chopped jalapeno or cayenne peppers.
- For more smoky flavor, try adding in some liquid smoke.
- Try not to overcook the beans to prevent them from drying out. They will thicken as they cook and become slightly crispy on the top when ready to pull from the oven.
- Instead of using bacon, you could use cooked ground beef.
Expert Tips for the Best Southern Baked Beans
- Stir before serving to reincorporate the sauce.
- Let them rest after baking so the flavor settles and thickens.
- Want vegetarian? Skip the bacon and use smoked paprika or sautéed mushrooms.
- Need to stretch it? Add a can of drained kidney or black beans to bulk it up for a crowd.
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Baked Bean Questions & Answers
Yes! Assemble the beans up to a day ahead and bake just before serving.
Nope, try beef, turkey bacon, or leave it out and add smoky flavor with liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
Cover them with foil for the first half of baking. If they still look dry, add a splash of broth or water before returning to the oven.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store cooled baked beans in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Freeze: Once fully cooled, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve with Southern Baked Beans
- Pairs perfectly with Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Try it with Classic Southern Potato Salad
- Serve alongside Cornbread Dressing
More Classic Southern Sides
Did you make this Southern Baked Beans Recipe?
Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and comment to let me know how it turned out! Don't forget to tag @SimplyLaKita on Instagram to show me your cookout plate.
💌 From my kitchen to yours, happy eating!
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