Classic Baked Beans – Hearty, Sweet, and Comforting

These Classic Baked Beans are the perfect side dish for cookouts, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. Naturally sweetened and gently spiced, they offer a rich, slow-cooked flavor—without the heaviness of traditional versions. Made with simple pantry staples and lightened-up ingredients, this recipe delivers all the comfort of homemade baked beans in a more mindful way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Classic: Sweet, tangy, and savory in every spoonful.
Naturally Sweetened: Uses a touch of maple syrup and ketchup instead of heavy sugar.
Light Yet Filling: High in fiber and protein with fewer added fats.
Perfect Side Dish: Ideal for barbecues, burgers, or baked potatoes.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup no-sugar-added ketchup
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Cooking spray or 1 tsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Sauté the Onion
In a nonstick skillet lightly coated with cooking spray or olive oil, sauté chopped onion over medium heat until soft and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.

3. Mix the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, maple syrup, mustard, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.

4. Combine Everything
Add the beans and sautéed onions to the bowl. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce.

5. Bake
Transfer the mixture to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes to let the top caramelize slightly.

6. Serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 140
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 6g

Tips for Success

• Use Low-Sodium Beans: Helps you control salt and balance flavor.
• Want a Smokier Taste? Add a few drops of liquid smoke or use smoked paprika generously.
• Add Heat: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños if you like a spicy kick.
• Make Ahead: These beans store beautifully—reheat leftovers for even richer flavor the next day.

Why This Recipe Works

This version of baked beans offers everything you love—thick, saucy texture and sweet-tangy balance—but with lighter, smarter ingredients. It’s easy to throw together with items you already have on hand and complements nearly any meal.

Classic Baked Beans are a timeless side dish that never fails to bring warmth and flavor to the table. With just a few tweaks to lighten things up, this recipe keeps all the soul of the original while staying in line with more mindful eating. It’s a simple, delicious choice you’ll return to again and again—whether for summer barbecues or hearty winter dinners.