No summer barbecue is complete without a big dish of homemade Baked Beans. Sweet, savory, hearty, and full of rich flavor, this easy baked beans recipe is the ultimate side dish for cookouts, potlucks, holidays, and backyard gatherings.
Made with ground beef, onion, barbecue sauce, ketchup, and baked beans baked until hot and bubbly, this recipe is comforting, simple, and always one of the first dishes to disappear. Every time I make these baked beans, people go back for seconds.
This recipe has been in my family for years and is one I learned from my mom. Like many great family recipes, she always made it by eye and “just knew” the right amounts. After lots of testing, I finally measured everything out so anyone can recreate this classic family favorite at home.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Baked Beans
- Perfect for summer cookouts and BBQs
- Sweet and savory flavor
- Easy side dish recipe
- Family recipe passed down for years
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Simple ingredients
- Always a crowd favorite
Easy Homemade Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cans original baked beans (12 ounces each)
- 1/2 cup sweet barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and ground beef.
- Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through and the onions are softened.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Stir in the salt and black pepper.
- Add the baked beans to the skillet. Remove the bacon pieces that come inside the canned baked beans after adding them.
- Mix everything together well.
- Add the barbecue sauce, ketchup, and light corn syrup.
- Stir until fully combined and evenly coated.
- Transfer the baked bean mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and slightly caramelized around the edges.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of barbecue sauce, ketchup, and light corn syrup creates the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. The ground beef makes the baked beans hearty enough to stand out at any cookout table, while the onions add extra depth and flavor.
Baking everything together allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to blend beautifully.
Tips for the Best Baked Beans
- Use a sweeter barbecue sauce for the best flavor balance.
- Draining the beef keeps the beans from becoming greasy.
- Bake uncovered so the sauce thickens slightly.
- Great for making ahead before cookouts or holidays.
What to Serve with Baked Beans
These homemade baked beans pair perfectly with:
- Hamburgers
- Hot dogs
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Barbecue chicken
- Smoked brisket
- Potato salad
- Coleslaw
- Cornbread
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the baked beans ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
When ready to serve, bake as directed until hot and bubbly.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked beans ahead of time?
Yes! These baked beans are perfect for making ahead for cookouts, potlucks, and parties.
What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?
A sweet barbecue sauce works best for this recipe.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe doubles easily for larger gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Baked Beans Recipe is sweet, savory, hearty, and packed with classic cookout flavor. With ground beef, barbecue sauce, and baked beans baked together until perfectly bubbly, this side dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re serving them at a backyard barbecue, summer holiday, or family dinner, these baked beans are always a hit.