Southern Baked Beans Recipe (From Scratch with Canned Beans)

Overhead view of baked beans in large white braiser pan with serving spoon in it.

5 from 1 vote

Southern Baked Beans Recipe (From Scratch with Canned Beans)

This southern baked beans recipe is made with canned beans, bacon, and a rich sweet-and-savory sauce. Perfect for cookouts, family gatherings, and soul food dinners.

Prep Time10

Cook Time45

Total Time55

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: baked beans recipe, southern baked beans, southern baked beans recipe

Servings:

Calories: 144kcal

Author: LaKita Anderson

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!

Video

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.

Nutrition