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Homemade Maple Baked Beans served with a hamburger topped with guacamole and tomato.
Michelle Dickson

Smoky Maple and Bacon Baked Beans

A healthier twist on classic slow-cooked baked beans—sweetened with pure maple syrup, made with uncured bacon, and no refined sugar. Sweet, savory, and smoky, they’re the perfect side for burgers, grilled chicken, or any BBQ!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Servings: 15 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 190
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 15 oz. cans pork and beans
  • 1 15 oz. can black beans
  • 2 large onions, diced
  • 2 large green bell peppers, diced
  • 1 12 oz. pkg. lean uncured bacon cooked crisp, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup ketchup, reduced or no sugar
  • 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp liquid smoke

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°.
  2. Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Pour into a 9x13 baking pan. Cover with foil.
  4. Bake 2 1/2 hours covered, then remove the foil and bake another 30 minutes.
  5. Serve hot with your favorite summer smoked or grilled meats.
  6. Makes 10-15 servings.

Notes

This baked bean recipe can also be made in a slow cooker, though the consistency will be thinner. The rich, smoky flavor stays the same, but you’ll get a saucier result. For thick, savory baked beans with that classic texture, I prefer baking them in the oven.
A delicious companion to any smoked or grilled meat, this side dish never disappoints.
These baked beans freeze beautifully—just store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.