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Slowly simmering beans on the stove creates a perfectly soft texture, similar to baking, while allowing them to absorb a rich blend of spices and sauces. This method results in a deeply satisfying Southern-style stovetop baked beans recipe, filling the kitchen with inviting aromas.

Easy Southern-Style Stovetop Baked Beans

Southern baked beans on the stovetop

Stovetop baked beans are so convenient to make using pre-cooked canned beans. They also provide a wonderful blend of comfort and nutrition with only a few ingredients needed. Moreover, cooking them on the stovetop allows you to scent and experience the gradual melding of flavors, a process that other cooking methods can’t quite replicate!

What are stovetop baked beans?

Stovetop baked beans have been a beloved comfort dish for generations, combining navy beans, brown sugar, bacon (optional), and a blend of spices to create a truly special meal. Moreover, this dish showcases the essence of soul food cooking, transforming simple pantry staples into rich, intensely flavorful dishes that bring people together.

Why are they called stovetop “baked” beans?

The cooking method for stovetop baked beans originates from innovative Native American techniques that were used before the advent of ovens. This method involves cooking beans in a sealed pot while simmering them over low heat, which makes the beans so tender that they resemble those baked in an oven. Southern cooks adopted and refined this stovetop technique, adding exceptional flavor, largely thanks to the contributions of African American cooks.

Ingredients

Creating a flavorful profile for Southern-style baked beans involves a savory combination of rich, complex ingredients such as tomato paste, ground mustard, BBQ sauce, and a carefully chosen blend of spices. This approach allows you to infuse each spoonful with a distinctive soul food taste often lacking in store-bought options.

Measurements for the recipe can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Canned baked beans – What beans are used in baked beans? Traditionally, dried navy beans are used in a from-scratch Southern baked beans recipe. However, for this recipe, canned baked beans are used for a convenient base, reducing the prep and cooking times.
Brown sugar and BBQ sauce – Bring a touch of sweetness that balances the tanginess.
Tomato paste – Adds a flavorful tang to enhance the overall sweetness.
Ground mustard – Contributes to the tang with a mild heat.
Beef broth – Forms the foundation for the beans’ rich liquid base.
Onion, bell pepper, and garlic – Create an aromatic blend of seasoning and flavor.
Smoked paprika and ground cinnamon – Weave in warmth and complexity.
Salt and black pepper – Sharpen the overall flavors.

How to make stovetop baked beans

The convenience of this stovetop baked beans recipe is undeniable. Using canned baked beans as the base saves you valuable time since they come pre-cooked, eliminating the need for an overnight soak. This also allows you to enhance and customize the flavor with Southern soul food spices.

Step-by-step guided instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Sauté the broth, onion, and bell pepper in a skillet.
Stir in the seasonings and sauces.
Pour in the baked beans directly from the can.
Boil, then reduce the heat, stirring occasionally until thickened
Serve and enjoy!

For more quick ways to make homemade baked beans:

Thickening baked beans

Brown sugar, tomato paste, and BBQ sauce combine to create the ideal consistency for the base of these Southern-style beans. These flavorful ingredients serve a practical purpose as the thickener and infuse the beans with a rich blend of sweetness, tang, and bold smokiness. In addition, this savory fusion enhances the dish, transforming it into an irresistible comfort food classic.

What to add to baked beans

Optionally, bacon can be added to this Southern-style baked beans recipe. This can be accomplished easily by panfrying one or two strips of bacon while sautéing the diced onion and bell pepper before stirring in the sauces and seasonings.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Store this stovetop baked beans recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave, slow cooker, or on low heat in a pot on the stove.

What to serve with stovetop baked beans

Southern cooks are renowned for pairing baked beans with classic soul food dishes from the South, including Southern fried chicken, BBQ ribs, pulled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad, and coleslaw. These combinations create a delightful dining experience that reflects Southern hospitality and charm!