Homemade Heinz Baked Bean

Homemade Heinz Baked Beans: A Comfort Food Classic

When you think of hearty comfort foods, it’s hard not to think of a warm plate of baked beans. They’re the perfect side dish for BBQs, a classic complement to toast, or a staple at breakfast. While store-bought baked beans are convenient, nothing beats the rich, smoky flavor and tender texture of Homemade Heinz Baked Beans made from scratch. The good news is, with a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can recreate that iconic Heinz flavor right in your own kitchen!

Whether you’re looking to prepare a cozy meal for yourself, feed the family, or impress guests, this homemade recipe will bring the comfort of Heinz Baked Beans to your table with a homemade touch.

Why Homemade Heinz Baked Beans?

• Authentic Flavor: This recipe brings the familiar, nostalgic taste of Heinz Baked Beans, packed with smoky sweetness and a savory undertone.
• No Artificial Additives: Making beans at home means you control the ingredients, leaving out preservatives or unnecessary chemicals often found in store-bought versions.
• Customizable: Want a bit more heat? Or a dash of extra sweetness? This recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your tastes.
• Budget-Friendly: Homemade beans cost a fraction of the price of the canned variety, and you can make large batches for future meals.

Ingredients:

To make Homemade Heinz Baked Beans, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 400g dried white beans (such as navy beans or cannellini beans)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 400g canned tomatoes (crushed or chopped)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses (or dark corn syrup)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (apple cider vinegar works too)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that smoky, authentic flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (you can also use water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Beans

1. Soak the beans: If you’re using dried beans (which we recommend for the best texture and flavor), begin by soaking them overnight in plenty of water. This will soften the beans and reduce their cooking time. If you’re short on time, a quick-soak method can be used by boiling the beans in water for 2 minutes, then letting them sit, covered, for 1 hour before draining.
2. Cook the beans: After soaking, drain the beans and place them in a large pot. Cover them with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent—about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes to allow it to caramelize slightly. This deepens the flavor of the sauce.
3. Combine the tomatoes and seasoning: Add the canned tomatoes (with their juice), brown sugar, molasses, smoked paprika, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, black pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Simmer the Beans

1. Add the cooked beans: Once the sauce is well-mixed, add the drained cooked beans to the pot. Stir until the beans are evenly coated in the sauce.
2. Add broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, just enough to cover the beans and sauce. Stir to combine.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the sauce thickens and becomes rich and flavorful. Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add more broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick during simmering.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

1. Final seasoning: Once the beans have simmered and the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or a dash of extra vinegar if you prefer a tangier flavor. If you like your beans a little sweeter, add more brown sugar or molasses.
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