Baked Beans Recipe

Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food with this homestyle baked beans recipe! Packed with rich, smoky flavor and a touch of sweetness, these beans are perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.

Easy to make and endlessly versatile, this dish will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and win over every crowd. Let’s dive into this hearty, soul-warming recipe!

Recipe Overview

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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients List

• 4 cups cooked navy beans (or 2 15-oz cans, drained and rinsed): Navy beans hold their shape and soak up flavors beautifully.
• 6 slices bacon, chopped: Adds smoky, savory depth; optional but highly recommended.
• 1 medium onion, finely diced: Brings sweet, caramelized flavor to balance the sauce.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic notes.
• 1/2 cup molasses: Provides rich, deep sweetness and a glossy texture.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Enhances sweetness and adds a caramel-like richness.
• 1/4 cup ketchup: Adds tangy, tomatoey depth to the sauce.
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle, sharp kick to balance sweetness.
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Brightens the flavors with a slight tangy edge.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Boosts the smoky flavor, tying all ingredients together.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild, spicy warmth.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all flavors; adjust to taste.
• 1 cup water or chicken broth: Thins the sauce for perfect consistency.
• Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper: For a gentle heat boost, if desired.

Note: Molasses is key for authentic flavor and color—don’t skip it! Canned beans save time, but cooked-from-scratch beans add extra texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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1. Cook the Bacon: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan. Tip: Don’t overcook; crispy but not burnt bacon adds the best flavor.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook for 5 minutes until soft and golden. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Tip: Scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor.
3. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and water (or broth). Pour over the onions and garlic in the skillet. Tip: Taste the sauce before adding beans to adjust sweetness or tang.
4. Combine Beans: Add cooked navy beans and half the bacon to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly with the sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Tip: If using canned beans, rinse well to remove excess sodium.
5. Bake the Beans: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and bake for 1.5 hours. Uncover, stir, and bake for another 20-30 minutes until the sauce is thick and sticky. Tip: Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6. Finish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining bacon, and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Tip: A quick stir before serving blends the flavors perfectly.

Tips for Success

• Balance Sweetness: Taste the sauce before baking; add more vinegar for tang or molasses for sweetness if needed.
• Use Low Heat: Slow baking at 325°F prevents the beans from drying out and ensures a thick sauce.
• Crispy Bacon: Cook bacon until just crispy to avoid chewy bits in the final dish.
• Check Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water; if too thin, bake uncovered longer.
• Soak Dry Beans: If using dry beans, soak overnight and cook until tender before using to save time.

Serving Suggestions

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Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Cool beans to room temperature (within 2 hours) before storing to prevent spoilage.
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
• Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to maintain texture. Tip: Portion into smaller containers for easy reheating.

FAQs

Can I use different beans?
Yes, pinto or Great Northern beans work well, but navy beans are traditional for their creamy texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Omit bacon, use vegetable broth, and add 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing. Increase smoked paprika for smokiness.

How do I make it in a slow cooker?
Sauté bacon and onions, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Can I reduce the sweetness?
Cut molasses or brown sugar by half and add more vinegar or mustard for a tangier profile.

What if my beans are too watery?
Uncover and simmer on the stove for 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce before serving.

Conclusion

These homestyle baked beans are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s smoky, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe lineup. Grab your skillet and whip up this classic today—share your creations in the comments or on social media. We can’t wait to hear how they turn out!