Amish baked beans with bacon are a summer classic, perfect for barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. Hearty, flavorful, and a little smoky, they're delicious alongside grilled meats, roasted hot dogs, or even on their own.
You might wonder, "Why make baked beans when canned ones are so convenient?" This easy recipe uses canned beans for simplicity but adds a homemade twist that makes the flavor far superior to anything from a can.
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Why You'll Love These Amish Baked Beans
- Quick & easy: Uses canned beans for a flavorful dish in under an hour.
- Better than canned: Homemade twist makes them far tastier than store-bought.
- Hearty & satisfying: Smoky bacon and a mix of beans create a comforting, filling side.
- Perfect for any meal: Great with barbecues, hot dogs, or even on their own. (I love smoky baked beans and homemade potato salad with grilled meats.)
- Customizable: Swap beans or adjust sweetness to suit your taste.
Ingredients & What They Do
- Pork and Beans (1 can, undrained): Provides a savory base and tender beans.
- Butter or Lima Beans (1 can, undrained): Adds texture and variety.
- Dark Red Kidney Beans (1 can, partially drained): Adds color, firmness, and extra nutrients.
- Bacon: Brings smoky flavor, richness, and naturally flavors the beans as they bake.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Brown Sugar: Balances tangy flavors and caramelizes for richness.
- Ketchup: Tangy, slightly sweet base for the sauce.
- Mustard: Adds a tangy kick and depth of flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Enhances smokiness and overall richness - adjust to taste.
- Tip: You can swap butter beans for lima, pinto, or navy beans. Using a variety of beans adds fun texture and flavor, but be sure to include at least one can of pork and beans for the classic taste.
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How to Make Homemade Baked Beans with Bacon
To make easy homemade baked beans, start by cutting and frying the bacon. (I use my cast-iron skillet so that I can also bake it in the same pan. But you can fry the bacon and onions in any pan and transfer everything to a baking dish to bake.)
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook the bacon: Cut into pieces and fry until lightly browned.
- Add onions: Stir in chopped onions and cook a few more minutes. Drain some bacon fat if desired, but leave some for flavor.
- Mix in remaining ingredients: Add pork and beans, butter/lima beans, kidney beans, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
- Bake: Place in the oven, uncovered, for about 1 hour.
- Serve: Stir and enjoy warm.
Notes & Tips
- Use your favorite mix of beans for these easy baked beans using canned beans - pinto, navy, lima, or butter beans all work. Just be sure to include at least one can of pork and beans for the authentic flavor.
- Adjust brown sugar to taste; I usually use ½ cup for a less-sweet version.
- Cook bacon and bake beans in a cast-iron skillet for extra flavor.
- Optional: Add diced jalapenos with the onions for a little heat.
- You can make this recipe ahead of time; just bake and reheat as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any mix works! Pinto, navy, lima, or butter beans can all be swapped to your taste. I like the texture of these three bean baked beans, but if you prefer, you can make this recipe with just one type of bean - your favorite will work.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, portion into airtight containers and freeze for several months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat.
Yes! Cool the beans to room temperature and portion into airtight freezer containers. (I save sour cream and cottage cheese containers and use those.) They'll keep well in the freezer for several months. To use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, replace the pork and beans with an extra can of plain beans (like navy or pinto) and omit the bacon. Add a few drops of liquid smoke to give the beans a smoky, rich flavor.
More Amish Side Dish Recipes for Summer Picnics and Cookouts
You could cook dried beans and make baked beans completely from scratch. But we all know that takes a lot of time. Using canned beans keeps this recipe quick and easy, but with a homemade twist for the best baked beans ever!
Whether you're making a quick side for a weeknight dinner or prepping for a summer barbecue, these Amish baked beans using canned beans are easy, flavorful, and sure to be a hit.
If you try this recipe, I'd love if you left a comment and star rating below. Thank you!
📖 Recipe Card
Easy Amish Baked Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can pork and beans, undrained
- 1 can butter or lima beans, undrained
- 1 can dark red kidney beans, partially drained
- ½ lb. bacon, cut into about ¾" pieces
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ½ - 1 c. brown sugar
- 1 c. ketchup
- 1 tsp. mustard
- ½ - 1 tsp. smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Cut the bacon into pieces and cook until lightly browned. You can leave all the grease in the pan, or remove some of it (for health's sake).½ lb. bacon, cut into about ¾" pieces
- Add the chopped onions and cook a few more minutes.1 small onion, chopped
- Add the brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and paprika. Mix.½ - 1 c. brown sugar, 1 c. ketchup, 1 tsp. mustard, ½ - 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- Drain some of the juice from one can of beans and add all the beans and liquid from two cans. Mix.1 can pork and beans, undrained, 1 can dark red kidney beans, partially drained, 1 can butter or lima beans, undrained
- Bake, uncovered, for one hour. Stir and serve.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 or 6 days.
- Or place cooled leftover beans into airtight containers and freeze them for later use. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat.
Anna
My favorite baked beans!
Ken
I grew up in an area with a lot of Amish people in northern Indiana. These baked beans were often served chilled, after baking of course. It was very good that way, and you didn’t have to worry about it getting cold on the table. In another variation they would add cooked hamburger crumbles.
Anna
Interesting! Never ate them chilled.
Gabe
Can this be done in the crockpot
Anna
I haven't tried it, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. It gets baked uncovered, so some of the liquid evaporates. I'd put it in crockpot uncovered or maybe add a little less liquid (drain more juice).
Kass Claggett
I do this a similar way. Add tons of sautéed onions and bell peppers. Can Hatch chillis. Can Rotel tomatoes. Delicious.
GeeBee
L👀ks Yummy &
fun to prepare.😋