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A bowl of homemade British baked beans

How to Make Classic British Baked Beans from Scratch


  • Author: Emily Hart
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Description

British baked beans are a hearty, comforting dish made with tender beans simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe offers a delicious, protein-packed side dish perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.


Ingredients

    • Haricot Beans (or small white beans): 1 ½ cups dried beans (about 250g), soaked overnight or use canned beans (2 cans, 15 oz each)

    • Tomato Sauce: 2 cups (500ml)

    • Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons

    • Worcestershire Sauce: 2 teaspoons

    • Mustard (Dijon or English mustard): 1 teaspoon

    • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped

    • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

    • Vegetable or Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240ml)

    • Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon (optional for smoky flavor)

    • Salt: To taste

    • Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (or to taste)

Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for sautéing onions and garlic)


Instructions

  • Prepare the Beans: If using dried haricot beans, soak them overnight or use the quick-soak method. Drain and rinse thoroughly. If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them.
  • Sauté the Vegetables: In a pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, and sauté until softened.
  • Make the Sauce: Add 2 cups of tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of mustard to the pot. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Combine the Beans and Sauce: Add the soaked (or canned) beans and 1 cup of broth to the sauce, stirring well. Bring to a boil.

Notes

  • Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly to make this recipe fully plant-based.
  • Sweetness Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on your taste preference. You can also substitute maple syrup or honey for a different flavor.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 11g