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A rustic bowl of baked beans in a rich sauce, topped with bacon bits and herbs, served with cornbread slices on a wooden table.

The Ultimate Guide to Baked Beans Recipe

  • Author: Admin
  • Total Time: 11 hours
  • Yield: 6–8 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A hearty and flavorful baked beans recipe, perfect as a side dish or a main course. These beans are simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, sweetened with molasses and brown sugar, and seasoned with smoky paprika and mustard. Whether served alongside grilled meats or a slice of cornbread, this dish will quickly become a favorite at your table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) dried navy beans (or 4 cups cooked beans)
  • 6 cups water (for soaking and cooking)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: 4 slices of bacon, chopped (for a smoky, non-vegetarian version)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans:
    • Rinse and sort the dried beans, removing any debris.
    • Soak the beans overnight in water (or use the quick-soak method by boiling the beans for 2 minutes and letting them sit for 1 hour). Drain and rinse the beans.
  2. Cook the Beans:
    • Add the soaked beans to a large pot with 6 cups of water.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 1–1.5 hours or until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce:
    • In a large skillet or saucepan, sauté the diced onion and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
    • Add the molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the sauce is well combined.
  4. Combine Beans and Sauce:
    • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
    • In a Dutch oven or oven-safe dish, combine the cooked beans and the prepared sauce. Add salt to taste.
  5. Bake the Beans:
    • Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a little water if the sauce becomes too thick.
  6. Optional Additions:
    • If using bacon, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, then mix it into the beans before baking.
  7. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve alongside cornbread, grilled meats, or a crisp green salad.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and add liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
  • Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to suit your taste by modifying the brown sugar and cayenne pepper.
  • Prep Time: 8 hours (includes overnight soaking for the beans)
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking, Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240 g)
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg

Keywords: Baked Beans, Barbecue Beans, Comfort Food, Gluten-Free, Homemade Beans, Side Dish, Vegetarian Option

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