Description
This rich and smoky baked beans recipe combines tender navy beans with a savory blend of bacon, molasses, and spices, slow-baked to perfection for deep flavor and a thick, delicious sauce. It’s an ideal side dish for BBQs, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for comforting, hearty beans.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans
- 4 cups cooked navy beans (or 3 cans, rinsed and drained)
Meat and Aromatics
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the beans.
- Cook Bacon: In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it is crisp. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the pot for flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon drippings. Sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, forming a flavor base for the beans.
- Mix Sauce: Stir in ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, optional cayenne pepper, and the water or chicken broth into the pot. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
- Add Beans and Bacon: Add the cooked navy beans to the pot and stir well to coat them evenly with the sauce. Stir in the cooked bacon, reserving some for garnish if you like.
- Bake the Beans: Transfer the pot, uncovered, to the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes rich in flavor.
- Serve: Serve the baked beans hot, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon or fresh parsley if desired, to add a fresh, herbaceous touch.
Notes
- Using cooked navy beans ensures a creamy texture but canned beans can be used for convenience—just rinse and drain them well.
- The bacon drippings contribute essential smokiness, so do not discard them after cooking the bacon.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired heat level or omit if you prefer no spiciness.
- Chicken broth adds extra depth of flavor but water works fine if you want a lighter taste or a vegetarian option if substituting the bacon.
- Stirring the beans occasionally during baking helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a hearty addition to any picnic or cookout.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
