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baked beans recipe

baked beans
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Homemade baked beans are a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet dish that’s perfect as a side or standalone meal. With creamy beans, tangy sauce, and customizable flavors, this recipe elevates a classic comfort food into something truly special. Skip the canned variety and savor the depth of flavor that only scratch-made baked beans can deliver!

  • Author: Noura afassi
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Beans:

1 pound dried navy beans (or great northern beans)

(Alternatively: 4 cups canned beans, rinsed and drained)

Sauce:

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1½ cups tomato sauce (or ketchup)

¼ cup brown sugar

3 tablespoons molasses

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon black pepper

Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

6 slices beef bacon, cubed and cooked

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a vegetarian smoky flavor)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beans:

  • Soak the dried beans overnight in water. Drain, rinse, and cook them in fresh water for 1-2 hours until tender. (For canned beans, skip this step and rinse them well.)

2. Make the Sauce:

  • In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon (if using) until crispy. Remove and set aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pan.
  • Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in the skillet until softened and fragrant.
  • Stir in tomato sauce, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes.

3. Combine and Bake:

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
  • In a large oven-safe dish or Dutch oven, combine the cooked beans with the prepared sauce. Mix well to coat the beans evenly. Add the bacon (or smoked paprika for a vegetarian option).
  • Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. For a thicker consistency, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes.

4. Serve:

  • Let the baked beans cool slightly before serving. They pair wonderfully with barbecue meats, cornbread, or toasted bread.

Notes

  • Soaking the beans reduces cooking time and makes them easier to digest.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.
  • For a sweeter flavor, increase the brown sugar or add a drizzle of honey.
  • Make it vegetarian by skipping the bacon and using smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that classic smoky flavor.

Enjoy this timeless dish at your next family gathering or barbecue!

Nutrition

Find it online: https://glonfo.com/baked-beans-recipe/