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Lunch/ Spice

Homemade Spicy Baked Beans

April 4, 2020 by Chris Collins

These homemade baked beans are rich, cheesy, spicy and outrageously delicious. Better still, they couldn’t be easier to make!

beans poured on baked potato on white plate with two silver forks resting

The BEST Homemade Baked Beans

I know, what the heck’s wrong with a can of Heinz?! 🤣Literally nothing, I’ve got about 30 cans in my cupboard as we speak. BUT, you honestly can’t beat a batch of homemade baked beans. Not when they taste this darn good anyway 🤪Here’s why you’re gonna LOVE these beans:

  • Flavour – They have a deep, rich, smoky and spicy flavour.
  • Easy – Incredibly easy to make, minimal prep and all in one pot!
  • Any Occasion – I usually have these for lunch, but they also work great for breakfast and are hearty enough to eat for dinner OR as a side!

Which are the best beans to use for homemade baked beans?

In most store bought canned baked beans haricot/navy beans are used. I prefer larger and more hearty beans, so here I use cannellini beans. Butterbeans are also nice and big, pinto beans also work great too.

closeup of beans scooped on chunk of white bread

Spicy Baked Beans

For me, beans in a rich tomato sauce take on spice so well. It’s tempting to inject spice into things without adding the flavour alongside it. I was quite conscious when developing this recipe to ensure the spice injects flavour too.

What makes these beans ‘spicy’?

  • Spicy Chorizo – This adds a gorgeous punch of flavour, plus, who doesn’t want crispy pieces of chorizo through their beans?!
  • Chipotle Paste – Chipotle offers a smoky kind of spice that’s carried beautifully in these beans. You can sub chipotle powder.

What are the best seasonings to add?

For this recipe I add smoked paprika and cumin. You really don’t need anything else! These, alongside the onion & garlic really compliment the chipotle and chorizo. I find herbs distracting here so don’t add them either. Again, no need!

How to make homemade spicy beans (quick summary)

  1. Soften onion & garlic in oil.
  2. Add chorizo and brown.
  3. Stir in tomato puree.
  4. Pour in chicken stock and passata.
  5. Add seasoning.
  6. Add beans and simmer.

How to make homemade baked beans - 6 step by step photos

Cheesy Baked Beans

Oh come on, you don’t need to be a regular reader of mine to know this was coming 🤣Cheesy beans are a given here. 

Once you’ve reduced down the beans you can either sprinkle over cheese and pop on the lid until it goes gooey 

OR

Sprinkle over the cheese and pop the pot under the grill and broil so it goes nice and crispy (if your pot is oven safe)

OR

Simply serve the beans and sprinkle over cheese at the end. Up to you. You could also leave the cheese out, but, cheesy beans?!?!?!?

What’s the best cheese to use?

I like a nice sharp cheddar, but Monterey Jack also works great here.

overhead shot of grated cheese on top of beans

Homemade Baked Beans FAQ

What can I serve these with?

I usually go for them plonked on a Baked Potato. Beans on toast also works great, but they also work great as a side dish to a main or even as a dish to bring to potlock!

Can these be frozen?

Yup! Just cool and store in a ziplock bag or airtight container, then thaw and heat on the stove or straight in the microwave!

What if I go overboard with the spice?

Consider an extra pinch of sugar and/or a dollop of yogurt or sour cream served at the end!

Hey, whilst you’re here why not check out my other recipes?

Delicious Recipes using Beans

Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for these homemade baked beans shall we?!

ladle scooping out cheesy beans in large pot

How to make Homemade Baked Beans (Full Recipe & Video)

beans poured on baked potato on white plate with two silver forks resting

Spicy Homemade Baked Beans

These homemade baked beans are rich, cheesy, spicy and outrageously delicious. Better still, they couldn't be easier to make!!
5 from 4 votes
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Servings (click & slide): 5
Course: Brunch / Lunch
Cuisine: American / British / Spanish
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per serving: 444kcal
Cost per serving: ÂŁ2 / $2.50

Equipment:

  • Large Pot & Wooden Spoon
  • Sharp Knife & Chopping Board
  • Cheese Grater
  • Jug (for stock)

Ingredients (check list):

  • 2x 14oz/400g cans of Cannellini Beans, drained (see notes)
  • 2 cups / 500ml Tomato Passata (Pureed/Sieved Tomatoes in US)
  • 1 cup / 250ml Chicken Stock
  • 5.3oz / 150g Spicy Chorizo, diced
  • 1-1.5cups/100-150g Cheddar Cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp Chipotle Paste (see notes)
  • 1 medium Onion, finely diced
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Puree (Tomato Paste in US)
  • 2 fat cloves of Garlic, minced/finely diced
  • 2 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp EACH: Smoked Paprika, Cumin
  • Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
  • Olive Oil, as needed

Instructions:

  • In a large pot over medium heat add your diced onion with a drizzle of olive oil. Fry until they begin to soften, then add in the garlic. Continue frying for a minute or so longer, then add the chorizo.
  • Fry further until the chorizo goes nice and crispy and the onion/garlic is just starting to catch colour. Add 2 tbsp tomato puree and fry for a minute or so, then pour in the passata and chicken stock.
  • Add in smoked paprika, cumin, sugar, salt & pepper (to taste) and give it a good stir. Pour in your drained beans and stir. Bring to a boil then immediately reduce heat to a simmer. Leave the lid off and reduce down the sauce for 15-20mins, or until the sauce is nicely thickened, stirring occasionally.
  • From there, you can either sprinkle over the cheese and pop the lid on for a few mins until it goes gooey. Or, pop it under the grill so the cheese goes nice and crispy (if your dish is oven proof). Or, you can leave off the cheese and just sprinkle over when served.

Quick 1 min demo!

Notes:

a) Beans - Cannellini beans are great for this recipe because they're big and hearty. I've also used Pinto or Navy beans in the past which work great, as do Butterbeans. But, work with what you've got access to!
b) Chipotle Paste - This is readily available in most supermarkets/grocery stores. Spice levels differ from brand to brand, but I find 1 tbsp packs in a punch and adds a nice smoky flavour. I wouldn't go past 2 tbsp otherwise it'll become too overpowering. If you can't find chipotle paste you can sub chipotle powder, just work to preference.
c) Cheese - I usually go for a nice sharp cheddar, but Monterey Jack also works great with this recipe! With the same token, if you don't want to add cheese these beans taste awesome without it too.
d) Spice - If you're still looking for a bit more spice after the spicy chorizo and chipotle consider a few pinches of cayenne pepper or chilli powder. But again, don't go overboard or you'll lose the gorgeous flavour of the sauce. If you've gone overboard with the spice balance it out with a few pinches of sugar and consider serving the beans with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.
e) Freezing - Allow to cool, then freeze in ziplock bags or airtight containers, then thaw and reheat on the stove or straight in the microwave!
g) Calories - Based on using 1/2tbsp olive oil for frying and 1 cup cheddar on top. Divided between 5.

Your Private Notes:

Nutrition:

Nutrition Facts
Spicy Homemade Baked Beans
Amount Per Serving
Calories 444 Calories from Fat 202
% Daily Value*
Fat 22.39g34%
Saturated Fat 9.268g46%
Trans Fat 0.267g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.046g
Monounsaturated Fat 8.921g
Cholesterol 51mg17%
Sodium 904mg38%
Potassium 1005mg29%
Carbohydrates 39.08g13%
Fiber 8.8g35%
Sugar 9.42g10%
Protein 23.77g48%
Vitamin A 1015IU20%
Vitamin C 13.5mg16%
Calcium 254mg25%
Iron 4.15mg23%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition is based on the absence of salt unless stated as a measurement in the ingredients. Cost is worked out based on ingredients bought from UK supermarkets, then divided by the number of servings. In both instances these values are just for guidance. Please check out my FAQ Page for more info.
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Looking for more?You'll find plenty more delicious comfort food like this in my Debut Cookbook 'Comfy'

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Recipe Rating




12 Comments

  • Reply
    Igenlode Wordsmith
    February 9, 2022 at 1:02 pm

    I made these – the best approximation to tinned baked beans I’ve yet managed!
    (I added a teaspoon of treacle at the end of the cooking process and fried the onion in beef dripping at the start…)

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      February 9, 2022 at 1:20 pm

      Ooo bet the treacle was nice! 🙂

  • Reply
    Erika
    April 4, 2020 at 11:49 pm

    5 stars
    These beans look awesome, so flavorful. I love spicy food so will definitely be trying these.

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      April 5, 2020 at 11:07 am

      Enjoy!! 🙂

  • Reply
    Cate
    April 4, 2020 at 11:43 pm

    This looks like such a yummy and simple recipe, perfect for this time. Yum!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      April 5, 2020 at 11:07 am

      Thanks, Cate! 🙂

  • Reply
    Sophie
    April 4, 2020 at 11:33 pm

    5 stars
    This is so so good. Thank you for your recipe. I love beans a lot. Thank you.

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      April 5, 2020 at 11:07 am

      Beans are the best!! 🙂

  • Reply
    Anita
    April 4, 2020 at 8:27 pm

    5 stars
    I’m needing more and more basic pantry ingredients recipes nowadays, and this one is simply perfect. It’s really delicious and full or flavors. 🙂

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      April 5, 2020 at 11:06 am

      It totally is, Anita! Thanks! 🙂

  • Reply
    Mirlene
    April 4, 2020 at 8:27 pm

    5 stars
    Fantastic way to bake beans. I know because it is one of my favorite dishes, and your recipe looks fantastic. Love it!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      April 5, 2020 at 11:06 am

      Thanks, Mirlene 🙂

    5 KNOCKOUT

    DINNERS

    YOU'LL NEVER STOP MAKING!

    A FREE EMAIL SERIES, FROM ONE FOODIE TO ANOTHER