These Easy Apple Pie Baked Beans are a fun twist on the classic dish! They mix sweet apples, cinnamon, and the hearty goodness of beans for a deliciously unique treat.
Who knew beans could be so sweet, right? I love serving this as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It always surprises everyone and tastes fantastic!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baked Beans: Canned baked beans are the star here. You can use any brand you prefer. If you want to go homemade, you can cook dried beans and season them, but the canned version saves time and keeps it easy!
Ground Meat: I prefer using ground pork for its flavor, but ground beef or turkey works just as well. For a vegetarian option, try using crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat substitute.
Apples: Sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp add a great flavor. If these aren’t available, go for Granny Smith for a tart punch or a softer Red Delicious for added sweetness.
Sweeteners: Brown sugar gives depth, but you can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier alternative. Honey or agave syrup also works if you want to change it up.
Spices: Cinnamon is a must for that apple pie kick! If you don’t have nutmeg or cloves, just stick with cinnamon—it’s still delicious. You can also add some ginger for an extra zing!
How Do I Get the Right Texture for My Baked Beans?
Texture is key in baked beans to make them enjoyable! Here’s how to get it right:
- Choose beans that are soft but not mushy—this will keep your dish hearty.
- When cooking the meat and apple mixture, don’t overcook the apples; they should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Baking is essential! This step thickens the sauce and enhances the flavors. Be sure to check halfway and stir to evenly heat everything.
- Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps the sauce thicken further and makes it easier to serve.
These tips will help you achieve the perfect texture in your Easy Apple Pie Baked Beans! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Apple Pie Baked Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans
- 1 lb ground pork or ground beef
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced (preferably a sweet apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter for sautéing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 30-40 minutes to bake, making a total of around 60 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dish will cook evenly and thoroughly as soon as you’re ready to bake it.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes, or until they are soft and fragrant. This develops a lovely flavor base for your beans!
3. Cook the Ground Meat:
Add the ground pork or beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart, cooking until browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the pan, drain it before proceeding to the next step.
4. Add Apples and Spices:
Stir in the diced apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, optional cloves, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the apples to soften while mingling with the spices for a delightful aroma.
5. Mix the Beans:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the baked beans, brown sugar, maple syrup (or honey), apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to marry all those delicious flavors together.
6. Combine and Prepare for Baking:
Add the cooked meat and apple mixture into the beans and mix everything together until well combined. Now transfer the entire mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake Your Dish:
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Make sure to stir once halfway through cooking. You’ll know it’s done when the sauce is thickened and bubbly!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the dish cool slightly before serving. This will help the sauce set a bit, making it easier to dish out. Enjoy your super comforting Apple Pie Baked Beans!
This warm, comforting dish brings the sweet and spicy flavors of apple pie to classic baked beans, making it a unique and delicious side for any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Apple Pie Baked Beans
Can I Use Different Beans?
Absolutely! While canned baked beans are traditional in this recipe, you can also use other types of canned beans like navy beans or kidney beans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re using dried beans by soaking and cooking them beforehand.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in a covered dish for a couple of minutes.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground pork or beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or any plant-based meat alternatives. Just sauté them as you would the meat for the same delicious flavor.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely. You can prepare everything up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven from the fridge—it may take a few extra minutes to heat through.
