Baked Beans Casserole

Baked beans are always welcome at any cookout, but this version takes things to the next level. With crispy bacon, sautéed peppers, and a blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, this casserole is anything but ordinary. It’s an easy way to upgrade canned beans into something crave-worthy.

A close-up of a spoonful of baked beans in a thick, reddish-brown sauce, served in a black dish with a parsley garnish in the background.

Forget basic baked beans; this Baked Bean Casserole is layered with richness and spice that makes it a standout on any plate. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or looking for something warm and cozy during colder months, this hearty side delivers. The best part? It’s simple to make, and always a hit.

With just a few pantry staples and some chopped veggies, you’ll turn two cans of baked beans into a dish that tastes like it simmered all day.

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A close-up of a wooden spoon holding a serving of thick chili with beans and meat, with a pot of chili in the background.

Ingredients

  • Baked beans – Any variety works. Skip the fancy flavors—you’re adding your own magic.
  • Bacon – Cooked until crisp and crumbled. Regular cut is perfect; no need for thick-cut.
  • Onion – Yellow or brown onions are ideal, but use what you have.
  • Green bell pepper – Want heat? Swap in jalapeño or mix both.
  • Ketchup – It adds great tang. You can sub tomato sauce if preferred.
  • Brown sugar – Cut it in half if you want a less sweet version.
  • Dijon mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika – Use hot smoked paprika for an extra kick.
  • Chipotle powder – Bold and smoky; go easy unless you love heat.
  • Black pepper
Top-down view of various baked bean ingredients in bowls, including bacon, baked beans, mustard, chopped vegetables, sauces, and spices, each labeled with its name.

How To Make Baked Beans Casserole

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Cook the bacon until crisp in a skillet. Crumble and set aside. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease.
  3. Sauté the chopped onion and green pepper in the bacon drippings for about 5 minutes, or until soft.
  4. Stir together the baked beans, cooked bacon, sautéed veggies, and all the remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl until fully combined.
  5. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  6. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the beans are hot, bubbling, and slightly thickened.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy every smoky-sweet bite.

Step by Step Process

Chef Jenn’s Tips

  • For even deeper flavor, make the casserole a day ahead—reheat just before serving.
  • Swap in red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter twist.
  • The chipotle powder gives the dish its signature smoky heat—don’t skip it unless you’re going mild.
  • In a rush? Use pre-cooked bacon and sauté the veggies in butter or olive oil instead.

Make It A Meal

These baked beans are the ultimate BBQ side dish. Serve them with grilled brats, burgers, ribs, or chicken. Add coleslaw and cornbread for the full backyard comfort experience.

A white pot filled with cooked beans garnished with parsley, with a wooden spoon inside and a lid partially covering the pot.

Storage

Leftovers keep well when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. To freeze, cool the casserole completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

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A close-up of a spoonful of baked beans in a thick, reddish-brown sauce, served in a black dish with a parsley garnish in the background.

Baked Beans Casserole

Chef Jenn
This bold and hearty Baked Beans Casserole mixes crispy bacon, sautéed peppers, and smoky spices with classic canned beans. Sweet, savory, and just a little spicy—it’s the side that always gets second helpings.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Southern-Inspired
Servings 8 servings
Calories 178 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 15 ounces baked beans 2 cans
  • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • ½ cup onion finely chopped
  • ½ cup green bell pepper finely chopped
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  • Cook the bacon until crisp in a skillet. Crumble and set aside. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease.
  • Sauté the chopped onion and green pepper in the bacon drippings for about 5 minutes, or until soft.
  • Stir together the baked beans, cooked bacon, sautéed veggies, and all the remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl until fully combined.
  • Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  • Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the beans are hot, bubbling, and slightly thickened.
  • Serve warm and enjoy every smoky-sweet bite.

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Tips

    • For even deeper flavor, make the casserole a day ahead—reheat just before serving.
    • Swap in red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter twist.
    • The chipotle powder gives the dish its signature smoky heat—don’t skip it unless you’re going mild.
    • In a rush? Use pre-cooked bacon and sauté the veggies in butter or olive oil instead.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 178kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 519mgPotassium: 311mgFiber: 4gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 220IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1mg
Keyword baked bean casserole, bbq side dish, easy bean casserole
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