Baking beans is a cooking method that involves slowly cooking beans in a flavorful sauce, often made with ingredients like tomato, brown sugar, and mustard. This technique allows the beans to absorb the rich flavors while becoming tender. Common types of beans used include navy beans and pinto beans. Traditionally, baking beans is associated with New England cuisine, where it was a popular dish among early settlers. The dish is typically prepared in an oven, allowing for a long cooking time that enhances the taste. It is often served as a side dish or a hearty main course.