Description
This Baked Beans recipe is packed with bold flavors, combining tender beans with a savory-sweet sauce featuring smoky bacon, molasses, and a hint of spice. Slow-baked to perfection, this dish is a must-have for any gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beans:
- 1 lb dried navy beans (or 3 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 6 cups water (if using dried beans)
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Sauce:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard (or Dijon)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beans (Skip if Using Canned Beans)
- Rinse and sort dried beans. Soak overnight in water, then drain.
- In a large pot, cover beans with 6 cups of fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until beans are tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion until soft (about 3 minutes), then add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add 1 cup of water or broth and mix well.
Step 3: Bake the Beans
- Add cooked (or canned) beans and bacon to the sauce, stirring to combine.
- Cover and bake for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. If beans start to dry out, add a little more water.
- For a thicker sauce, uncover for the last 30 minutes of baking.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm as a side dish with barbecue, grilled meats, or cornbread!
Notes
- Shortcut: Use canned beans to save time—just reduce baking time to 1 hour.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–3 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 10g