Are you craving the classic taste of Heinz Beanz but want to whip them up at home? I totally get it! There’s something comforting about those rich, savory flavors that make every meal a bit better.
Ingredients
- 2 (15-ounce) cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Let’s dive into recreating this classic Heinz Beanz flavor. Follow these simple steps to prepare and cook the sauce to perfection.
Prepare the Ingredients
- Soak the Beans: Rinse 2 cups of navy beans under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Let them soak overnight to soften.
- Measure the Ingredients: Gather all the sauce ingredients—1 can of tomato sauce, 1/4 cup molasses, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Beans
- Boil the Beans: Drain the soaked navy beans and transfer them to a large pot. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the beans simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender. Check occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.
Simmer the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a separate saucepan, mix together the tomato sauce, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Thicken the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors meld together.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper according to your preference. Taste the sauce and adjust any other seasonings as needed for a balanced flavor.
- Combine Beans and Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, pour it over the cooked navy beans. Stir gently to ensure the beans are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Final Simmer: Let the beans and sauce simmer together for an additional 10 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.
Tools and Equipment
As someone who loves reverse engineering classic recipes, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what I use to create my Heinz Beanz copycat recipe:
Large Soaking Bowl
- I soak the navy beans overnight in a spacious bowl to ensure they absorb enough water and cook evenly.
Dutch Oven or Large Pot
- A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven is perfect for simmering the beans to perfection without burning.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Precision is key. I rely on accurate measuring cups and spoons to balance the flavors in the sauce.
Saucepan
- A medium-sized saucepan is essential for mixing and heating the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- I use these for stirring the beans and sauce, preventing any scratches on my cookware.
Colander
- After soaking, a sturdy colander helps drain the beans efficiently before cooking.
Stove or Heat Source
- Consistent heat is crucial. I use a reliable stove to maintain the perfect simmer throughout the cooking process.
- For combining the beans and sauce, a ladle ensures even distribution without making a mess.
Having these tools on hand makes recreating Heinz Beanz at home not only feasible but also enjoyable. Each piece plays a vital role in achieving that rich, comforting flavor we all love.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing Heinz Beanz in advance not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how I like to plan ahead for this delicious dish:
Step 1: Soak the Navy Beans
Start by soaking the navy beans overnight. Place 2 cups of navy beans in a large soaking bowl and cover them with plenty of water. Let them sit for at least 8 hours or overnight. This step ensures the beans soften and cook evenly later on.
Step 2: Cook the Beans
After soaking, drain and rinse the beans using a colander. Transfer them to a large pot or Dutch oven and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Once cooked, drain the beans and let them cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While the beans are cooking, make the sauce. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the following:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until it starts to thicken, about 10 minutes. Allow the sauce to cool before storing.
Step 4: Combine and Store
Once both the beans and the sauce have cooled, combine them in a large container. Mix thoroughly to ensure the beans are evenly coated with the sauce. Transfer the mixture to airtight containers or mason jars. Label them with the date and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Step 5: Reheat and Serve
When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Heinz Beanz, simply reheat the desired amount on the stovetop. Place the beans and sauce in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Serve warm with your favorite dishes for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
As a chef passionate about recreating beloved classics, I find that my homemade Heinz Beanz shine in a variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them:
- Classic British Breakfast
Serve the beans alongside sausages, bacon, eggs, and toast for a hearty start to your day.
- Bean Gratin
Transfer the beans to an oven-safe dish, top with grated cheddar cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden for a delicious bean gratin.
- Beans on Toast
A simple yet satisfying option. Spoon the warm beans over toasted sourdough or whole-grain bread and sprinkle with a touch of black pepper.
- Hearty Chili
Add the beans to your favorite chili recipe for added depth and richness. They pair perfectly with ground beef, tomatoes, and spices.
- Nacho Topping
Use the beans as a hearty topping for nachos, layering them with melted cheese, jalapeños, and your favorite salsa.
- Side to Grilled Meats
Complement grilled sausages, burgers, or steaks with a side of these savory beans. They add a comforting balance to the smoky flavors of the meat.
- Savory Stews
Incorporate the beans into vegetable or beef stews to enhance the texture and flavor, making the dish even more filling and nutritious.
Each of these serving suggestions allows the rich, smoky flavors of my copycat Heinz Beanz to elevate your meals, whether it’s a simple snack or a complete dinner spread. Experiment with these ideas and discover your favorite way to enjoy this classic comfort food.
Conclusion
Making Heinz Beanz at home has been a fun and rewarding experience for me. The rich flavors and comforting texture bring back so many memories. It’s amazing how simple ingredients come together to recreate such a classic dish. I love how versatile they are too, perfect for any meal or occasion.
Trying out this recipe has opened up new ways to enjoy beans in my kitchen. Whether it’s pairing them with breakfast or adding them to a hearty stew, there’s always a delicious option to explore. I hope you enjoy making and savoring your own homemade Heinz Beanz as much as I do. Happy cooking!
