Maple Baked Beans
AI-generated image
Gluten-free Canadian

Maple Baked Beans

Tender navy beans baked slowly in a glossy maple, mustard, and tomato sauce with smoky bacon. This Canadian-inspired side dish balances deep savory flavor with gentle sweetness and is ideal for family dinners, brunches, and make-ahead entertaining.

120 min 6 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Heat the oven to 180°C. Lightly grease a 2.5-liter ovenproof baking dish and set it on a sturdy sheet pan to catch any bubbling sauce.
2
Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and about 2 tablespoons of fat have rendered.
Bacon browning in a skillet for maple baked beans AI-generated image
3
Add the onion to the skillet and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent at the edges. Stir in the garlic and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika; cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4
Whisk the maple syrup, tomato sauce, 20 ml of the vinegar, mustard, remaining smoked paprika, black pepper, and hot water in a bowl until smooth.
5
Add the navy beans to the skillet and pour in the sauce. Stir gently until every bean is coated, then simmer for 3 minutes so the flavors begin to meld.
6
Transfer the beans to the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling steadily around the edges.
7
Remove the foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes more, until the sauce is thick and glossy and the top is lightly caramelized. Stir in the remaining 10 ml vinegar and rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Finished maple baked beans with a glossy caramelized sauce AI-generated image
8
Taste and adjust with a little more black pepper or vinegar if needed. Serve hot while the beans are creamy and the sauce coats the spoon.

Why this recipe works

Canned navy beans provide a creamy interior without requiring an overnight soak, while bacon, tomato, mustard, and maple create the sweet-smoky balance associated with classic Canadian baked beans. A covered-then-uncovered bake develops flavor and a lacquered sauce.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool within 2 hours, then refrigerate in a covered container for up to 4 days. The flavor improves overnight.

How to reheat it

Reheat gently in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat or in a covered 180°C oven until steaming hot throughout. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition / serving

463kcal
25.13 gprotein
64.66 gcarbs
11.88 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 15 Aug 2026 · updated 16 Aug 2026