Baked Beans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Beans are a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender beans slow-cooked in a rich, sweet-and-savory sauce. Whether served as a side at barbecues or enjoyed as a comforting main course, they’re a timeless classic. The combination of brown sugar, smoky bacon, and tangy mustard creates a deeply satisfying flavor that appeals to all ages.

ingredients

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

canned or dried navy beans
onion
garlic
ketchup
brown sugar
molasses
Dijon or yellow mustard
apple cider vinegar
Worcestershire sauce
bacon (optional)
salt
black pepper
water or broth

directions

If using dried beans, soak overnight, then cook until tender before proceeding.

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of fat in the pan.

Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in the bacon fat until translucent.

In a large oven-safe dish or Dutch oven, combine beans, cooked onions and garlic, bacon, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

Add enough water or broth to just cover the beans. Stir well.

Cover and bake for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a bit more liquid.

Remove the lid and bake for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 2.5 hours
Total time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

Use maple syrup instead of molasses for a different sweetness.
Add chopped green peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.
For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth.
Add smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.

storage/reheating

Store baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans?

Yes, using canned navy beans saves time and works perfectly. Be sure to drain and rinse them first.

What type of beans are best?

Navy beans are traditional, but great northern or pinto beans can also be used.

Is molasses necessary?

Molasses adds depth and color, but you can substitute with maple syrup or extra brown sugar.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 6-8 hours or until thick and bubbly.

Why did my beans turn out too thick?

They may have baked too long uncovered or lacked enough liquid—add more broth next time.

Can I make baked beans in advance?

Absolutely, they taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Are baked beans healthy?

They’re a good source of protein and fiber, though the sugar content can be high—adjust sweeteners to taste.

How do I make it spicier?

Add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the sauce.

Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?

Yes, honey can be used as a natural sweetener, though it changes the flavor slightly.

Do I need to soak beans overnight?

If using dried beans, soaking reduces cooking time and improves texture, but you can also use the quick-soak method.

Conclusion

Baked Beans are a beloved comfort food that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing them for a cookout, a potluck, or a cozy dinner, they bring rich flavor and homestyle goodness to the table. Once you try this homemade version, you’ll never go back to canned!

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