If you’re wondering what to add to baked beans to make them taste homemade, these simple add‑ins will turn a can into a crowd‑pleasing side. This approach preserves the convenience of canned baked beans (I like Bush’s Original) while boosting flavor with sautéed onions, bacon, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, molasses, and a touch of Worcestershire for depth.
Baked Bean Casserole using canned beans
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Ingredients
- 4 cans baked beans 2 cans similar to 1 lge 28 oz. can (Bush's original)
- 6 slices thick cut bacon diced, double if regular cut bacon
- 1 small onion diced, yellow or sweet
- ¼ cup ketchup 4 Tbsps. = ¼ cup
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar light or dark
- 2 Tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- 2 Tablespoons molasses
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (or 375 °F for shorter baking time).
- Grease a medium casserole (2½ qt)
- Dice onions and bacon. Then, cook them together in a frying pan until bacon is done (usually about 5-6 minutes).1 small onion, 6 slices thick cut bacon
- In a large mixing bowl, add all ingredients; however, ONLY ADD 2/3 of Cooked BACON & ONIONS. Set aside 1/3 of cooked bacon and onions for the topping.4 cans baked beans, ¼ cup ketchup, 3 Tablespoons brown sugar, 2 Tablespoons spicy brown mustard, 2 Tablespoons molasses, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
- Pour bean mixture into greased casserole dish and add the topping (remaining cooked bacon & onions).
- Bake uncovered at 350 °F for 40 minutes (or at 375 °F for 35 minutes). Add 5 minutes if it was refrigerated.
Notes
Nutrition
What to Add to Baked Beans from a Can
- Sautéed onions and bacon: Cook diced bacon until crisp, then sauté onions in the bacon fat for a savory start.
- Tomato body and tang: Add ketchup to give body and a touch of tang.
- Sweet depth: Brown sugar (light or dark) balances the sauce; molasses adds a smoky depth.
- Flavor kick: Spicy brown mustard boosts brightness; Worcestershire adds umami (optional).
- Smoky notes: A splash of BBQ sauce or a touch of liquid smoke can emulate a BBQ‑style finish.
- Extras (but, not for everybody): Salt and black pepper to taste (I don’t add any, though); optional BBQ sauce, garlic, or jalapeño for extra depth or heat.
- Toppers are final touches of what to add to baked beans: Cheddar on top, crushed chips or panko for crunch, or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Here’s a good example from a Chef’s Kitchen for Canned Baked Beans Recipe.
What to Add to Bush’s Baked Beans
- If you’re using Bush’s Original, you can lean into the same add‑ins: caramelize onions in bacon fat, stir in ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, molasses, and Worcestershire, then bake with a crispy bacon topping. For extra punch, add a little BBQ sauce or a small amount of hot sauce and finish with shredded cheese.
Bush’s Baked Beans variant ideas (optional)
- Try a Tex‑Mex twist with a little jalapeño and salsa; finish with a handful of crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy top.
- For a sweeter version, increase ketchup to taste and add a touch more brown sugar and molasses, then finish with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- For a big change, try Bush’s Sweet & Spicy Baked Beans with Chicken recipe
FAQ on What to Add to Baked Beans from a Can
Can I make baked beans with canned beans?
Yes. Canned baked beans are a great base for quick casseroles and stovetop versions—just stir in the add‑ins to taste homemade.
Do you have to cook canned baked beans?
No; canned baked beans are pre‑cooked and safe to eat, but cooking (baking or simmering) improves texture and lets flavors meld, which is why this casserole shines.
Can you bake canned baked beans?
Yes. Baking canned baked beans casserole can deepen flavor and improve texture. Transfer the beans to an oven-safe dish, add optional ingredients (onion, bacon, brown sugar, mustard, spices, BBQ sauce), and bake at 350–375°F (175–190°C) until hot and bubbling, about 25–45 minutes. Do not bake in the can.
Who makes the best canned baked beans?
There isn’t a single best—taste is subjective. Popular options include Bush’s Baked Beans for a classic molasses flavor and Heinz for a savory saucy bean, with regional brands offering smoky or spicy variations. Try a few to see which flavor and ingredients you prefer.
Notes, tips, and variations
- Taste as you go: Different canned beans vary in sweetness and salt—adjust sugar and mustard accordingly.
- Bacon fat boost: Use the rendered bacon fat to sauté onions for deeper flavor; reserve some cooked bacon for topping.
- Balance for sweetness: If your beans are sweeter than you like, cut back the sugar or molasses and add a splash of vinegar or more mustard for brightness.
- Quick prep: Use pre‑cooked bacon and pre‑diced onions to speed things up, then simmer briefly to meld flavors.
- Make ahead 1 day in advance: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours; bake a bit longer when starting from cold. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
- Leftovers: Reheat on the stovetop or in the oven; add a splash of water if it’s too thick.
What Goes with Baked Bean Casserole?
There are a lot of things that go with baked bean casserole using canned beans. Some menu items are a main course and others are just a sandwich like fast food. Here are some great examples.
Main Courses for baked beans casserole
- Chicken dishes like these:
- Cuban Grilled Pork Chops
- Spiral Ham off the Grill
- Pulled Pork from a Charcoal Grill
- Ribs from the Grill
- Stove Top Little Smokies
- Brats from the Grill
- Skillet Kielbasa
- Southern Meatloaf
1 comment
Suzie Mathews
Was perfect for this weekend family get together. Everyone loved it!!!