The Best Baked Beans Recipe For Two (Using Canned Beans)

You aren’t going to believe how easy it is to turn a plain can of baked beans into the best baked beans that you have ever had. Once you taste a bite of the semi-homemade, sweet and savory beans you will never settle for anything less.

The rich and mouthwatering flavors of this dish gives will make someone think you spent hours making homemade baked beans. Especially because the bacon adds a smoky & savory element that elevates this dish to a whole new level. 

However this recipe is not only tasty, it is also easy to prepare. By using just a few simple ingredients, you will have the perfect side dish for your next barbecue dinner.

Not to mention with just a few minutes of prep time the beans are ready to go into the oven. This no hassle recipe allows you to get your remaining barbecue dinner on the grill without worry.

Although there are many baked beans recipes out there they are almost always designed to provide 6-8 servings. However this recipe is designed specifically as a small batch recipe. Which is why it is ideal when you are cooking for two.

So the next time you are ready to open a can of beans to go with your grilled hamburgers or hot dogs, be sure to add a few simple ingredients to the mixture. It’s the perfect way to bring a taste of classic barbecue food into your home without a lot of effort!

What Type of Canned Baked Beans To Use

When making the best baked beans for two, you can use any variety and any brand of canned baked beans that you prefer. There are several options available, from original, brown sugar, vegetarian and sweet and spicy beans. 

To make this recipe you will need a 16-ounce can of beans. This is the perfect size when making this as the primary side dish for two people. Feel free to experiment with a variety of flavors to help you find out which one is your favorite!

And if you happen to have any leftovers, be sure to make this Cowboy Casserole. Simply cut the recipe in half and it becomes a great leftover dinner recipe for two!

How to Increase The Flavor of Canned Baked Beans

Although you could easily heat up a can of store-bought baked beans and call it a day, it is easy to elevate the taste of canned baked beans with just a few basic spices and ingredients. 

Adding ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and dried onion flakes not only enhances the sweetness of the dish, but also adds a complex flavor profile to the sauce. Pair the sweetness with the smoky flavor of the bacon and you have the best baked beans to serve with dinner! 

Bacon Options

Adding raw bacon on top of the baked beans provides incredible flavor as it cooks and releases its delicious drippings into the beans. Alternatively, you can stir in real bacon bits or previously cooked and crumbled bacon into the mixture as well.

However if you can’t eat pork or prefer a leaner option, turkey bacon is a suitable substitute. However the beans will be a little less flavorful because you won’t get the extra bacon drippings in the sauce.

Common Recipe Substitutions/Additions

Although this baked beans recipe is best as written, you can customize the recipe with various substitutions and/or additions to make them to your liking. I have listed some common variations below based on input from those who have helped me test this recipe. 

1. Onions – Instead of adding dry minced onion, you can add fresh diced onions instead. And for those who can’t tolerate actual onion pieces, but enjoy the flavor of onion, use 1/8 teaspoon of granulated onion powder instead. 

2. Diced Peppers – Diced green or sweet red peppers can not only add crunch but they also add another layer of flavor and a pop of color to the baked beans. 

3. Pineapple – Consider adding a touch of sweetness by adding a few canned pineapple bits. I do this when I make a large batch of Smoked Baked Beans and the touch of sweetness pairs perfectly with the smoky sauce. 

4. Pork and Beans – Why not make this delicious side dish with a can of pork and beans. The added protein provides a unique texture and taste to the dish. 

5. Hot Sauce – Adding a splash or two of hot sauce will elevate the flavor profile of this dish. This is an especially popular addition for those who like spicier foods. 

Feel free to experiment with different flavors, toppings, and accompaniments to create a dish that’s uniquely yours and made to your taste preferences.

How To Cook Baked Beans On The Stove Top

Although this dish is designed to be made in the oven, you can also make it on the stove top. Simply follow the same steps but use a saucepan instead of an oven-safe dish. 

To cook them in a sauce pan simmer the beans over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and until the flavors have a chance to meld. However if you choose this cooking method It is essential to use cooked bacon as it won’t have the chance to cook properly on the stovetop.

What to Serve With Baked Beans

Baked beans pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making them a versatile side dish option, especially in the middle of summer. Of course they always go great with grilled meats, such as burgers, hot dogs, or barbecue chicken. 

However they also make a great addition to any barbecue platter with other side dishes such as coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, or even a fresh green side salad. The possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying baked beans as part of a delicious meal. 

Whether you are enjoying a 4th of July cookout or craving a classic barbecue meal, this delicious and easy-to-make baked beans recipe is sure to leave you more than satisfied!

The Best Baked Beans Recipe For Two

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 16 ounce can baked beans
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon dried minced onion flakes
• 2 bacon slices

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). In a small oven safe dish (I used a 1.5 quart CorningWare dish), pour in the can of baked beans. Then mix in the ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard and dried onion flakes. Stir until well incorporated.

Place the two strips of bacon on top of the beans, cutting it into smaller pieces if necessary. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Once the beans are hot and bubbly and the bacon is beginning to turn slightly crispy, remove the dish from the oven.

Before serving it is best to use tongs to remove the bacon from the top of the baked beans. Then place the bacon on a cutting board and cut into bite size pieces. Stir the chopped bacon back into the beans and serve warm.

There you have it, the best semi-homemade baked beans recipe that will bring that classic barbecue flavor to your meal. With just 6 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time, you will want to make this recipe all summer long!

Enjoy! Mary

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