Flavorful Baked Beans
These hearty baked beans are made from scratch with smoky bacon for a comforting side dish perfect for family dinners and barbecues.
Ingredients
Beans
- 1.5 cups dried navy beans Rinsed and soaked overnight or quick-soaked
Bacon and Aromatics
- 6 slices smoky bacon, chopped Adds a rich smoky flavor
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped Provides sweetness and depth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced For added aroma
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste For a tangy base
- 0.25 cup brown sugar Adjust sweetness to taste
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar For acidity
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard For tanginess
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce For depth of flavor
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Optional but recommended for smokiness
- Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper, to taste For seasoning
Liquid
- 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth Use for cooking the beans
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the dried navy beans and soak them overnight in plenty of cold water or use the quick soak method: boil for 2 minutes then soak for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Cooking
- In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped smoky bacon until it becomes crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the crispy bacon bits and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and sauté until it becomes translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot along with water or chicken broth. Stir to combine everything well.
- Return the cooked bacon bits to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
- Cover the pot with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 1 to 1 ½ hours, checking occasionally and adding more water if needed.
- Taste the beans and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or vinegar as desired. Let the beans rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
These baked beans can be served warm alongside grilled meats, over rice, or with cornbread. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. If reheating, add a little water or broth to restore moisture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5g
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