Easy and Delicious Baked Bean Recipe Using Canned Beans
Canned beans are a pantry staple that can transform into a hearty, comforting meal with the right recipe. This baked bean recipe is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a quick and easy dinner or a potluck gathering. Using canned beans not only saves time but also ensures consistency in your dish.
Benefits of Using Canned Beans
Canned beans are a convenient and nutritious ingredient. They are pre-cooked, which means they can be incorporated into dishes quickly. They are also a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans. Moreover, canned beans are affordable and have a long shelf life, reducing food waste.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of your preferred canned beans (such as pinto, kidney, or black beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup of ketchup
- 2 tablespoons of molasses or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of water
- Optional: 1/2 cup of chopped bacon or ham (for a meatier version)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the drained and rinsed beans, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, molasses or brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, salt, pepper, and water. If using bacon or ham, add it now. Mix well until all ingredients are well combined.
Baking
Transfer the bean mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and the top is slightly crispy.
Serving
Let the baked beans cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be served as a side dish or as a main course with a side of cornbread or a green salad. Enjoy your homemade baked beans!
Nutritional Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Total Carbohydrate (g) | Dietary Fiber (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | 150 | 1.5 | 450 | 27 | 6 | 8 |
Note: The nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used.
Tips for Customizing Your Baked Beans
This baked bean recipe is versatile and can be customized to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- Add more vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or diced tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
- For a sweeter version, add more molasses or brown sugar. For a spicier version, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or ham and add more vegetables or a plant-based protein source like tofu or tempeh.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
This baked bean recipe is a testament to the versatility of canned beans. They are a pantry staple that can be transformed into a myriad of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and dips. So, the next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, reach for those cans of beans and give this recipe a try.
