Speedy Stovetop Baked Beans
A quick-to-fix recipe for homemade baked beans flavored with bacon, barbecue sauce and caramelized onions.
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans small white beans drained and thoroughly rinsed
- 3 strips bacon cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic very finely chopped
- 1 cup barbecue sauce store-bought or homemade - see below
- 1-1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup seasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup apple juice or cider
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons whole grain mustard
- 1 clove garlic pressed
- 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
Instructions
- Start by making the barbecue sauce. Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and heat to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until thickened and set aside.
- In a large skillet, fry the bacon until crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and drain all but 1 tablespoon of the fat from the pan.
- Add the onion and sauté over medium heat until soft and translucent, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, 1 minute longer. Add the brown sugar and vinegar and continue cooking until the liquid has evaporated and the onion is lightly caramelized, 2 to 3 minutes more.
- Add the barbecue sauce, return the bacon to the pan and stir in the beans. Season with a few grinds of black pepper and combine well.
- Continue cooking over low heat, stirring often, for 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and serve.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead and, instead of cooking the beans on top of the stove, you can bake them in a 300°F oven until heated through, 20 to 30 minutes.