I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite franks and beans recipe, a classic comfort food dish that’s been passed down for generations. Growing up, my kids would always request this recipe for family gatherings, and now that they’re grown with kids of their own, they still love it just as much.
I love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday meal. The best part?
It’s incredibly healthy, made with just a few simple ingredients: canned beans, sausages, and some onions. My mom used to say that the secret to this recipe was in the slow cooking of the beans until they were tender and flavorful.
I couldn’t agree more – it’s all about taking your time and letting the flavors meld together. And let me tell you, the aroma that fills your kitchen as this dish cooks is just heavenly.
My family loves it when I serve it with some crusty bread or over rice – either way, it’s sure to be a hit! I’ve also found that using nitrate-free sausages makes this dish even healthier, so feel free to opt for those if you can find them.
This franks and beans recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too.
Classic Franks and Beans
4.6 from 689 votes
A comforting and hearty one-pot meal featuring smoky frankfurters simmered in a sweet and tangy tomato-based bean sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is loved by both kids and adults.
1Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4Pour in the baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
5Stir all the ingredients together until well combined, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
6Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
7Add the sliced frankfurters to the skillet and stir them into the bean mixture.
8Continue to cook over low heat for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the franks are heated through and the sauce is bubbly and has reached your desired consistency.
9Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for 2 minutes before serving.
10Spoon the franks and beans into bowls and serve hot, optionally with crusty bread or over rice.
For a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar to 1 tablespoon. You can also use low-sodium baked beans and turkey franks to lower the sodium and fat content. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Watch Video Of How Classic Franks and Beans Works
One of the best things about this franks and beans recipe is how well it stores and reheats – making it perfect for busy families or special occasions alike. To store leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag; store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
When reheating, simply add some extra broth if needed to keep things moist. My kids love serving this dish over rice or with crusty bread on the side – either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Franks and Beans
Q: What type of sausages should I use in this recipe?
A: You can use any type of sausage you prefer – traditional pork franks or even chicken sausages work great. Just make sure to choose nitrate-free options for an added health benefit.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Simply brown the sausages and cook the onions in a pan, then transfer everything to your slow cooker with the beans and sauce. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: How can I adjust the spiciness level of this recipe?
A: If you like things spicy, add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the pot. For a milder flavor, stick with just the onions and garlic.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this recipe?
A: Yes! Let the franks and beans cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months; reheat as needed.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes – as long as you choose gluten-free sausages, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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