Best Baked Beans Recipe
This best baked beans recipe features smoky bacon, sweet molasses, and a perfect blend of spices, all slow-cooked in the oven until bubbly and caramelized. Ideal as a hearty side dish for barbecues or family dinners, these baked beans deliver a rich, comforting flavor with a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1/2 lb. apple or cherrywood smoked bacon, finely chopped
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Beans
- 3 (15-oz.) cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the chopped bacon in a cold, large Dutch oven or ovenproof pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the bacon is browned and much of the fat has rendered out, about 10 minutes.
- Sauté vegetables and spices: Add the finely chopped onion, red bell pepper, black pepper, smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the bacon. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the vegetables soften slightly and become fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
- Mix sauces and beans: Stir in the ketchup, molasses, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, water, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. Add the drained and rinsed navy beans and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Bake the beans: Transfer the Dutch oven or pot to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered until the sauce is slightly reduced, bubbly, and the top is browned, about 45 minutes. Once baked, let the beans sit for 10 minutes before stirring and serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, use apple or cherrywood smoked bacon as specified.
- You can substitute navy beans with great northern beans or cannellini beans if preferred.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar and molasses according to taste.
- Make sure to rinse canned beans well to reduce excess sodium.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day.
Keywords: baked beans, navy beans, smoky baked beans, summer side dish, barbecue side, easy baked beans recipe
Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/best-baked-beans-recipe/
