Name: British Baked Beans: A Classic Comfort Dish You’ll Love
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) navy beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup tomato ketchup; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of British Baked Beans. They’re rich, flavorful, and the perfect addition to a hearty breakfast or a simple weeknight meal. If you’ve ever had them as part of a full English breakfast, you know just how delicious they are! But you don’t have to go all the way to the UK to enjoy this classic dish; with this easy recipe, you can recreate the magic right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

British Baked Beans are different from the canned variety you might be used to. The beans are slow-cooked in a rich, tomato-based sauce with a subtle balance of sweetness and tang. They’re simple but packed with flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how well it pairs with just about anything from toast to sausages or even as a side dish to your favorite roasted meats.

Ingredients (Full list below)

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) navy beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup tomato ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

You can find the full list of ingredients below.

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Beans and Sauce Ingredients

Once the onions and garlic are ready, add the drained and rinsed navy beans to the skillet. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Mix everything well, making sure the beans are coated evenly with the sauce.

Step 3: Simmer and Cook

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and become rich and glossy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Serve

Once the beans are nice and thick, they’re ready to serve! Spoon them onto plates and enjoy as part of a breakfast, with toast, or as a side to your favorite meal.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Beans: Navy beans are traditional for British Baked Beans, but you can substitute them with other white beans, such as cannellini beans, if that’s what you have on hand.
Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more brown sugar; for a tangier flavor, increase the vinegar.
Smoky Flavor: If you like a smoky kick, add a bit more smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for extra depth of flavor.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Bacon: For added richness and a smoky flavor, try sautéing some chopped bacon with the onions at the beginning. This will give your baked beans a deliciously savory twist.
Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
Vegan: This recipe is easily made vegan by ensuring your Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly, or by using a suitable substitute like coconut aminos.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

British Baked Beans are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. The most traditional way to serve them is as part of a full English breakfast, alongside scrambled eggs, sausages, grilled tomatoes, and toast. But they also make a great side dish for any savory meal, like roasted meats or barbecued chicken. For a comforting dinner, serve them with mashed potatoes or over baked potatoes for a cozy meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These beans store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are fully cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stovetop.

4 FAQs

Can I make these beans ahead of time?
Yes! These beans actually taste better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. They’re perfect for meal prepping.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can substitute it with soy sauce or tamari for a similar depth of flavor.
Can I use canned beans?
Yes, canned beans work perfectly here. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before using to remove any excess sodium.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To kick up the heat, try adding more smoked paprika, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a chopped jalapeño or chili.

Conclusion

British Baked Beans are the perfect comfort food, whether you’re serving them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of simmering time, you can make this classic dish at home and enjoy it as a delicious, satisfying side. Whether paired with eggs, sausages, or even a slice of crusty bread, these beans will quickly become a favorite in your household.

British Baked Beans: A Classic Comfort Dish You’ll Love

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British Baked Beans are rich, flavorful, and perfect for a hearty breakfast or simple weeknight meal. They’re slow-cooked in a tangy, sweet tomato-based sauce and are a delicious twist on the canned variety, offering a comforting, homemade alternative.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: British
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Beans and Sauce Ingredients: Add the navy beans, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and paprika. Stir to coat evenly.
Simmer and Cook: Lower heat to medium-low and let the beans simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Serve: Spoon beans onto plates and serve with toast or as a side dish.