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Heinz Baked Beans

Homemade Heinz Baked Beans

Make the iconic Heinz-style baked beans right at home! These sweet, savory, and saucy beans deliver that comforting, nostalgic flavor—perfect on buttery toast, with eggs, or as a hearty BBQ side. Simple ingredients, easy prep, and that signature glossy sauce make this a true comfort food favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: British, Comfort Food
Calories: 230
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beans (choose one option)
  • 2 cups dried navy beans or haricot beans soaked overnight
  • or 3 × 400 g cans canned navy, cannellini, or white beans drained and rinsed
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock or vegetable broth for vegetarian version
  • 1 cup water
  • 6 tbsp tomato ketchup
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar light or dark, to taste
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
For Thickening the Sauce
  • 8 tsp cornstarch (cornflour)
  • 1/4 cup cold water for mixing with cornstarch

Method
 

  1. Step 1: If using dried beans, soak them in plenty of cold water for 8–24 hours. Drain, add to a pot with fresh water, bring to a boil, then simmer partially covered for 1–1½ hours until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside. (Skip this step if using canned beans.)
  2. Step 2: In a large saucepan, combine chicken stock, water, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
  3. Step 3: Add the cooked or canned beans to the simmering sauce. Stir to coat evenly, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to form a smooth slurry. Slowly pour it into the beans while stirring. Cook another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beans. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm on buttered toast, with eggs, or as a side to grilled meats. Enjoy that classic Heinz-style flavor—made from scratch!

Notes

To make vegan, use vegetable stock and vegan Worcestershire sauce. For a less sweet version, reduce brown sugar to 2 tbsp. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water before serving. For extra flavor, try adding smoked paprika or mustard. These beans taste even better the next day and freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.