The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Canned Beans on the Stovetop

Let’s talk beans and, specifically, canned beans. It’s our specialty! And while how to cook them may seem easy, there are plenty of ways you can enhance your prep canned beans even when cooking them on the stovetop. Whether you’re working with classic Baked Beans, sweet and spicy Grillin’^® Beans, black beans, or even pinto beans, this guide will show you the best way to heat and season canned beans for any occasion.

Choose Your Canned Beans

Before we get those beautiful beans bubbling, let’s talk about the difference between the various kinds of canned beans you might have in your pantry. For the purpose of this bean-tastic journey, we’ll separate our discussion into three categories.

• Baked Beans: The stars of summer barbecue and potlucks everywhere. These beauties come pre-seasoned and saucy, ready to roll right out of the can. Bush’s^® Baked Beans are practically perfect as they are – sweet, savory, and loaded with flavor. No extra seasoning is needed unless you’re in the mood to get creative (more on that later).

• Recipe Beans: Think kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, butter beans – you know, those versatile beans that are more like a blank canvas. While they’re already cooked in the can, they haven’t been dressed up like our Baked Beans. This means they can be transformed into just about anything your heart (and stomach) desires.

• Other Preseasoned Beans: If you’re looking for a little more flavor with a little less prep, then something like Bush’s^® Sidekicks or Bush’s^® Chili Beans are the perfect fit for you. These beans come pre-seasoned in a rich and delicious sauce with the perfect blend of spices that come straight out of the can into your meal.

Let’s dive into the specifics of how to bring out the best in each.

Baked Beans: Just Heat and Eat

Since Bush’s^® Baked Beans are already cooked and seasoned to perfection, your job is to get them to the right temperature while maybe adding a little flair if you’re feeling adventurous.

Steps to Cooking Baked Beans on Stovetop

1. Heat ‘em Up: Pour the beans into a medium-sized pot. Turn the heat to medium-low and stir occasionally. You want to warm these beautiful beans slowly to prevent the sauce from scorching at the bottom. In about 5-10 minutes, they’ll be heated through and ready to serve.
2. Optional Additions: Want to jazz them up a bit? Even the Secret Family Recipe^™ can be added to! Toss in a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist, or try brown sugar to get sweet and savory. A dash of brown sugar, barbecue sauce, or even a drop of hot sauce can also be a spicy spin.

Basic Recipe Beans: The Blank Canvas

When cooking black beans or navy beans from a can, the process is simple but leaves plenty of room for creativity. These versatile beans can be turned into quick and easy meals that are perfect for busy weeknight.

Steps to Cooking Canned Beans on the Stovetop

1. Drain and Rinse: Unless you’re cooking with something like Bush’s Chili Beans or Bush’s Sidekicks (which come in a seasoned sauce), you’ll want to start by draining and rinsing your beans. This helps remove excess sodium and gives you a cleaner slate for seasoning.
2. Warm it Up: After rinsing, add the beans to a pot with a little bit of water or broth—just enough to cover them. Set the stove to medium heat and let the beans simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally
3. Flavor Exploration: Want to know how to season canned beans? Adding a few spices like cumin or smoked paprika can turn a basic dish into a flavor-packed meal. Experimenting with herbs and spices is key to discovering your favorite way to spice up canned beans.

Easy Ways to Season Canned Beans

Now that your beans are warm and ready, let’s talk about the extra goodies that can take them from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re working with garbanzo beans, pinto beans, or the trusty black bean, there’s always room for a little something extra.

Aromatics

• Onions & Garlic: Sauté some finely chopped onions and garlic in a little olive oil before adding your canned beans. This adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
• Bell Peppers: Add diced bell peppers for a pop of color and a slight sweetness.

Spices & Herbs:

• Cumin & Chili Powder: Perfect for canned black beans, these spices bring a warm, smoky flavor.
• Bay Leaves & Thyme: Toss in a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme for a more savory, earthy taste — especially great with canned navy beans.
• Paprika: Whether smoked or sweet, paprika adds a nice kick.

Sauces & Liquids

• Hot Sauce: A dash of hot sauce can liven up any can of beans, adding a tangy heat.
• Soy Sauce or Tamari: For a savory, umami boost, a splash of soy sauce works wonders, especially with black beans.
• Tomato Sauce or Paste: Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste or a splash of tomato sauce for a richer, more robust flavor.

Sweet & Smoky Additions

• Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup can complement the sweetness of canned baked beans or add a surprising twist to black beans.
• Bacon or Ham: Cook up some bacon or ham and stir it into your beans for a smoky, savory hit. This works well with baked beans or pinto beans.

Fresh Finishes:

• Cilantro or Parsley: Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top of your cooked canned beans for a burst of freshness.
• Lime or Lemon Juice: A squeeze of citrus brightens up the flavors, making your canned beans taste vibrant and zesty.

Serve It Up: The Right Way To Enjoy Your Beans

Once your canned beans are prepared and seasoned, it’s time to serve them up. Whether as a simple bean recipe or the main star, these beans are sure to impress.

• The Protein Boosting Side Dish: Sometimes a meal isn’t complete without a serving of beans. Serve beans alongside your favorite grilled meats, use seasoned black beans as a sidekick to tacos or enchiladas, or even pair our Baked Beans with toast for a breakfast classic.

• The Main Event: Make canned beans the star of the show by piling them onto a bowl of rice, mixing them into a salad, or using them as the base for a hearty bean stew.

• The Snack Attack: For a quick and easy snack, spoon your canned great northern beans over some toasted bread, top with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic, and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes. Voilà — bean bruschetta!

The Bean Adventure Never Ends

Cooking a can of beans on the stovetop might seem like a straightforward task, but as you’ve seen, it’s also an opportunity to get creative, experiment with flavors, and make something truly delicious. Whether you’re keeping it classic with baked beans or dressing up some basic varieties, the possibilities are endless.

So next time you reach for a can of Bush’s Beans, remember: there’s no wrong way to cook ‘em, just a world of flavors waiting to be discovered.