A Hearty, Flavorful Side Dish
Baked beans are a classic comfort food, and this Baked Three Beans recipe takes it up a notch! Combining three types of beans with a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet sauce, this dish is perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner.
I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile—it works as a side dish or even a hearty vegetarian meal. Whether served alongside grilled meats or enjoyed on its own, these beans are sure to be a hit!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: What types of beans work best?
I recommend using kidney beans, black beans, and great northern beans, but you can also use pinto beans, navy beans, or cannellini beans.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon (if using) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegan version.
Q: Can I make these beans ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store them in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat before serving. The flavors get even better the next day!
Q: Can I freeze baked beans?
Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
Q: How do I make these beans smoky?
For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke or use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
What You Need to Make Baked Three Beans
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (use vegan Worcestershire for a vegan version)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
How to Make Baked Three Beans
Step 1: Preheat & Sauté the Aromatics
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, sauté onion and bell pepper over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
- Add kidney beans, black beans, and great northern beans to the skillet.
- Stir in ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in broth and stir everything together.
Step 3: Bake Until Thickened
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- If the beans look too thick, add a splash of broth or water before serving.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm as a side dish or main meal with crusty bread!
Tips for the Best Baked Three Beans
✔ Use canned or dried beans – If using dried beans, soak overnight and cook until tender before adding to the recipe.
✔ For extra richness – Stir in a tablespoon of butter or olive oil before serving.
✔ Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for heat.
✔ Want it meaty? – Stir in crumbled bacon or cooked sausage for a heartier dish.
✔ For a sweeter taste – Increase the brown sugar or add a splash of maple syrup.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “So delicious! The flavors were perfectly balanced, and they were even better the next day.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “A hit at my BBQ! I added a bit of bacon, and everyone loved it!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “Made these as a meal with cornbread, and they were amazing!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “Loved the smoky flavor! Added a little extra smoked paprika, and it was perfect.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “Super easy and flavorful. This will be my go-to baked beans recipe!”
Printable Recipe
Baked Three Beans
This Baked Three Beans recipe is a hearty, flavorful side dish made with kidney beans, black beans, and great northern beans in a smoky, tangy sauce. Perfect for BBQs and potlucks!
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (use vegan Worcestershire for a vegan version)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Sauté the Aromatics
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, sauté onion and bell pepper over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
- Add kidney beans, black beans, and great northern beans to the skillet.
- Stir in ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in broth and stir everything together.
Step 3: Bake Until Thickened
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- If the beans look too thick, add a splash of broth or water before serving.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm as a side dish or main meal with crusty bread!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Baked Three Beans recipe, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it on social media, pin it on Pinterest, or send it to a friend who loves a hearty, comforting dish. I’d love to see your versions—tag me if you try it!
