Invisible Keto

Making real food for real people.

Baked Beans

When I found out about Black Soybeans I was like "Where have you been all my life?" Very low-carb beans that open so many opportunities including this delightful recipe, better than any baked beans I've had before.

This is a perfect side for dishes like spare ribs and short ribs.

Ingredients

  • 2 (15 oz) cans black soybeans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) no-sugar-added tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (keto-friendly brand)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water or broth
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve, leaving fat in the pan.
  3. Add onion to the bacon fat and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, vinegar, sweetener (if using), Worcestershire, paprika, chipotle, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 minutes to meld.
  5. Add black soybeans, reserved bacon, and water or broth. Stir thoroughly.
  6. Transfer to an oven-safe dish that fits your oven or air fryer basket. Cover tightly with foil.
  7. Bake 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until thickened and cohesive.
  8. If thicker texture is desired, uncover and bake 10 additional minutes.

Storage

  • Refrigeration: Store covered up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Cool completely, portion into 1–1½ cup servings in ziploc bags or containers like Kitchen Essentials: Souper Cubes, and freeze up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave covered. Add a splash of water or broth if needed.