Ultimate Baked Beans Recipe for Delicious Comfort Food

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Baked Beans are the perfect comfort food, offering a hearty, savory dish with the right balance of sweetness and smokiness. This recipe combines tender beans, rich tomato sauce, and a flavorful blend of spices, making it a great side dish for barbecues, picnics, or even as a stand-alone meal. It’s easy to prepare, deeply satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

• (Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 cups dried navy beans (or 3 cans of cooked beans)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Directions

1. If using dried beans, soak them overnight in plenty of water, then drain and rinse before using. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them as well.
2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare a large baking dish or Dutch oven.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon (if using) until crispy, then remove and set aside. Leave a little bacon fat in the skillet.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked onions and garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and apple cider vinegar. Stir in the water or broth.
6. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, add the beans, and stir well to combine.
7. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. If the beans look too dry during baking, add a bit more water or broth.
8. Remove from the oven and stir in the crispy bacon. Let the baked beans cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 8-10 people.

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 2-3 hours
• Total time: 2.5-3.5 hours

Variations

• Add a little ground beef or sausage for a meatier version.
• Use maple syrup or honey as a sweetener for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth. The flavors deepen over time, so they taste even better the next day!

FAQs

Can I use canned beans?
Yes, you can substitute 3 cans of drained and rinsed beans for the dried beans.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it before serving.

Do I have to use bacon?
No, you can omit the bacon if you prefer a vegetarian version.

Can I freeze baked beans?
Yes, baked beans freeze well for up to 3 months. Just allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for freezing.

Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, you can adjust the brown sugar and molasses to make the beans sweeter or less sweet based on your preference.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Baked Beans recipe brings together the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors, making it an ideal side dish or main course for any meal. It’s simple to make, full of comfort, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and it might just become your go-to recipe for baked beans!

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