Make homemade baked beans for one with this quick and easy recipe. Tender beans are cooked with bacon, onions, garlic, and a flavorful mix of ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, and spices for a sweet and smoky taste. Perfect for solo meals, breakfast, or a hearty side dish, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil, plus more for greasing the baking dish
- 1 slice bacon
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can Cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ¼ teaspoon curry powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the rack in the center.
- In a 2-quart saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the bacon until crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add the onions to the pan and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the beans, ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, dry mustard, and curry powder. Reduce heat and simmer for 1–2 minutes. Add the crumbled bacon and mix well.
- Lightly grease a 5-inch baking dish (or similar size) with ½ teaspoon olive oil. Pour in the bean mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until bubbly and thickened. Serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe makes a perfectly portioned, flavorful batch of baked beans for one. Sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky, it’s ideal for a solo meal without wasting ingredients.
Tips
- Use low-sodium beans to control the salt level.
- Cook bacon to your preferred crispiness before adding to the beans.
- Stir the bean mixture well before baking to ensure all flavors are evenly combined.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian option: Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Beans: Substitute Cannellini with navy beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans.
- Sweeteners: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare the bean mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Q: Can I freeze baked beans?
A: Yes, store cooled beans in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make a larger batch?
A: Absolutely, just scale the ingredients and adjust the baking time slightly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a side with grilled sausages, chicken, or steak.
- Pair with toast, cornbread, or a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.
- Top with shredded cheese or chopped herbs for added flavor.
Baked Beans for One
1
servings15
minutes30
minutesIngredients
1 teaspoon 1 olive oil, plus more for greasing the baking dish
1 slice 1 bacon
½ cup chopped onions
1 clove 1 garlic, minced
1 1 (15.5-ounce) can Cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon 1 ketchup
1 tablespoon 1 molasses
½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon 1 brown sugar
½ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon curry powder
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the rack in the center.
- In a 2-quart saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the bacon until crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add the onions to the pan and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the beans, ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, dry mustard, and curry powder. Reduce heat and simmer for 1–2 minutes. Add the crumbled bacon and mix well.
- Lightly grease a 5-inch baking dish (or similar size) with ½ teaspoon olive oil. Pour in the bean mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until bubbly and thickened. Serve warm.
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