Smoky Beans & Baked Eggs Recipe
Introduction
Smoky beans and baked eggs combine to create a satisfying, flavorful dish perfect for any meal of the day. This recipe balances rich spices with hearty beans and silky eggs, making it both comforting and nutritious.

Ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 2 x 400g cans black or pinto beans, drained
- 4-6 eggs, depending on appetite
- handful of coriander leaves, picked
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the oil in a wide, shallow pan and cook the chopped onion for 8-10 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add the sliced red pepper and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until softened.
- Step 3: Stir in the crushed garlic, smoked paprika, and ketchup. Then pour in the canned chopped tomatoes. Cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the lid and cook for a few more minutes to thicken the sauce, then add the drained beans. At this point, the mixture can be cooled and frozen in portions if desired.
- Step 5: Use a spoon to make 4-6 small spaces in the bean mixture, revealing some of the pan’s bottom.
- Step 6: Crack each egg into a cup or bowl, then gently slide one egg into each space in the pan.
- Step 7: Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
- Step 8: Scatter coriander leaves over the dish before serving for a fresh finish.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes along with the smoked paprika.
- Swap ketchup for tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor.
- Try using kale or spinach stirred in at the end to add some green vegetables.
- Serve with crusty bread or warm tortillas to scoop up the beans and runny eggs.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the mixture seems dry. For best texture, it’s recommended to cook fresh eggs when reheating rather than reheating the already baked eggs.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, you can substitute black or pinto beans with kidney beans or cannellini beans depending on your preference or what you have available.
What if I prefer firmer egg yolks?
If you like your yolks more set, simply cook the eggs covered for a few minutes longer until they reach your desired firmness.
Print
Smoky Beans & Baked Eggs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful smoky beans and baked eggs dish combining tender onions, red peppers, garlic, and smoked paprika with black or pinto beans simmered in a rich tomato sauce, topped with gently cooked eggs and fresh coriander. Perfect for a nutritious breakfast or comforting brunch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 2 x 400g cans black or pinto beans, drained
- 4–6 eggs, depending on appetite
- handful of coriander, leaves picked
Instructions
- Cook the base vegetables: Heat the oil in a wide, shallow pan over medium heat and cook the chopped onion for 8-10 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the red pepper: Add the sliced red pepper to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring regularly until the pepper is softened.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in the crushed garlic, smoked paprika, and ketchup into the cooked vegetables.
- Add tomatoes and simmer: Pour in the chopped tomatoes, cover the pan with a lid, and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Thicken the sauce: Remove the lid and cook the sauce for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
- Add the beans: Stir in the drained beans, combining everything evenly. At this point, you may cool and freeze portions if desired.
- Create spaces for eggs: Use a spoon to make 4-6 wells in the bean mixture so the base of the pan shows through.
- Add eggs carefully: Crack each egg into a small bowl and gently drop one into each well in the pan.
- Cook eggs: Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 3-5 minutes until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny, adjusting cooking time for preferred doneness.
- Garnish and serve: Scatter the fresh coriander leaves over the top before serving warm.
Notes
- To make this dish vegetarian, use beans without added meat ingredients.
- For a vegan version, omit eggs and serve the smoky beans as a filling with toast or tortilla.
- The number of eggs can be adjusted based on hunger; adults may want two eggs each.
- This dish freezes well after step 6; reheat gently before adding freshly cooked eggs.
- Adjust paprika amount for more or less smokiness to suit your taste.
- Cooking times for eggs can be varied to achieve runny or fully cooked yolks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
Keywords: smoky beans, baked eggs, breakfast recipe, vegetarian brunch, easy stovetop meal, black beans, pinto beans, smoked paprika

