Gigi’s Easy Baked Beans

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This recipe for Baked Beans has been a staple in my family for years. They make a delicious and classic addition to any summer cookout. Their rich, smoky flavor pairs perfectly with grilled meats and fresh salads, adding a hearty touch to the meal.

Overhead view of baked beans in a bowl.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • You started with canned baked beans, no soaking required.
  • Bacon! Bacon in every bite!
  • Serves a crowd.
  • Leftovers are just as good.

This baked beans recipe is my Mom’s. Rather than call it Mom’s baked beans, I decided to use the name my boys called her so these are now Gigi’s Baked Beans. It’s become a favorite with the next generation so a recipe name change was in order.

I can remember her making this recipe most of my life. It was a favorite of my Dad’s and my brother’s but, truth be told, I didn’t like it when I was a kid. My brother still makes this exact same recipe too.

Now, as an adult, I make them almost as often as she did in the summertime. Because the recipe starts with canned baked beans, you can make it in no time. I usually sauté the onions while I’m cooking the bacon to save time.

What ingredients do I need for doctored baked beans?

All of the ingredients are readily available if you don’t have them on hand.

  • 2 cans (16 ounces) of baked beans – My family’s favorite is Bush’s Original. You’re doctoring up canned beans, you don’t want a variety with lots of extras.
  • Medium Onion – You’ll slice it into half moons.
  • Bacon – It needs to be cooked.
  • Brown Sugar – Adjust for your taste but don’t leave it out.
  • Canned Diced Tomatoes – They add so much flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper – To taste
  • Butter – To cook the onions.
Baked beans in an oval baking dish with a rubber spatula.

What type of dish do I make baked beans in?

As you can see from the pictures, I’ve made this recipe in both a stoneware bowl and an oval baking dish.

The stoneware bowl I bake the beans in was also my Mom’s. She’d had it for years and it could have possibly been my Grandmother’s, but I don’t know that for sure.

When she scaled back her cooking, she passed it along to me. There is only a simple marking that says EL and USA, leading me to believe it was made in the US, which makes me happy too.

How do you serve baked beans?

The most obvious way is as a side dish at a picnic or cookout. Whether enjoyed on their own or piled onto a hot dog or burger, baked beans are a quintessential summer side dish that is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Baked Beans with bacon in an oval baking dish.

What entrees go with beans?

If you can grill it, baked beans most likely go with it. Bacon Cheddar Smash Burgers and Garlic Overload Burgers are two delicious examples. Pulled pork sandwiches are an easy workday dinner and if you prep the beans in advance you can pop them in the oven when you get home. Grilled BBQ Ribs are another good option, as are hot dogs.

How do you store leftover baked beans?

I store leftovers in a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. The will keep in the refrigerator for up to two days.

How do you reheat leftover beans?

While you could reheat leftover baked beans in the microwave I prefer to do it on the stovetop. Place beans in a saucepan and gently heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Bring just to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for about 8 – 10 minutes.

If you prefer the microwave, transfer the baked beans to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30 to 45-second increments until you reach the desired temperature.

Tips and Tricks

To save time I’ll use two skillets and cook the bacon and saute the onions at the same time.

Place the beans in the bowl and add all ingredients except the onions and bacon. Add those when they are done cooking.

Save some of the bacon crumbles to top the beans after they come out of the oven.

Did you make this recipe? If so, please leave a 5-star review on the recipe card below.

Gigi’s Baked Beans

Gigi’s baked beans are a delicious side dish for any barbecue party.
5 from 22 votes
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 16 ounce cans baked beans (I use Bush's Original)
  • 1 medium onion sliced and separated into rings
  • 6 – 8 slices cooked bacon crumbled
  • 3 – 4 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 7 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • Pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325℉.
  • In a medium saute pan, saute onions in butter.
  • In a baking dish, combine beans and diced tomatoes
  • Add brown sugar and mix in onions but not butter. Pepper to taste. Add crumbled bacon, stirring to mix.
  • Bake at 325℉. for 1 hour or until hot and bubbly around the edges.

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