Baked Beans

A rich, smoky, and slightly sweet classic side dish, these baked beans are slow-cooked to perfection with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a tangy-sweet sauce. Perfect for serving alongside BBQ, burgers, hot dogs, or grilled meats, this hearty dish is a must-have for any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep, Smoky Flavor: Smoked paprika and bacon add rich, bold taste.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: A mix of brown sugar, molasses, and mustard enhances the beans.
• Slow-Baked to Perfection: Allows flavors to blend and develop beautifully.
• Great for BBQs and Cookouts: A classic crowd-pleaser that pairs well with grilled dishes.
• Easy and Affordable: Uses simple pantry staples with minimal prep time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 (15 oz) cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup water

Directions

Cook the Bacon and Aromatics:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some bacon grease in the pan.
3. Add the diced onion and garlic to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Prepare the Sauce:

4. In a large bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Stir in the cooked onions, garlic, and bacon.

Assemble and Bake:

6. Add the drained navy beans and water to the bowl and stir to coat the beans.
7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil.
8. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until thick and bubbly.

Serve:

9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy as a side for BBQ, burgers, or hot dogs!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Variations

• Spicier Baked Beans: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Maple-Glazed Beans: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a rich, caramelized flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit bacon and use olive oil instead. Add a few dashes of liquid smoke for a smoky taste.
• BBQ-Flavored Beans: Stir in 1/4 cup BBQ sauce for a deeper, tangier taste.
• Slow Cooker Baked Beans: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes! Soak 1 1/2 cups dried navy beans overnight, then simmer until tender before using in the recipe.

2. What’s the best type of beans for baked beans?

Navy beans, Great Northern beans, or pinto beans work best for a creamy texture.

3. Can I make baked beans without molasses?

Yes! Substitute honey, maple syrup, or extra brown sugar.

4. How do I keep my baked beans from being too watery?

Let the beans bake uncovered for the last 15 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

5. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! The flavors deepen overnight, making them even better the next day.

6. What goes well with baked beans?

Serve with BBQ ribs, smoked brisket, fried chicken, coleslaw, or cornbread.

7. How do I make baked beans smokier?

Add extra smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.

8. Can I use different types of beans?

Yes! Try kidney beans, black beans, or butter beans for a mix of flavors and textures.

9. Are baked beans supposed to be sweet?

They have a balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, but you can adjust the sugar to your preference.

10. Can I cook baked beans on the stovetop?

Yes! Simmer over low heat for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Conclusion

These homemade baked beans are the perfect sweet, smoky, and savory side dish for BBQs, potlucks, and family meals. Whether served with grilled meats, burgers, or cornbread, this recipe delivers rich, hearty flavors every time. Try it today and enjoy a classic Southern favorite!