Description
This Saucy Smoky Baked Beans recipe features tender navy beans simmered in a rich and flavorful sauce made with bacon, molasses, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Perfect as a comforting side dish for barbecues or family dinners, these beans are slow-baked to develop a deep smoky sweetness with a hint of spice. The combination of savory bacon, tangy mustard, and sweet molasses creates a deliciously balanced dish that’s hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Bacon
- 4 cups cooked navy beans or 2 (15 oz) cans navy or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the beans.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, setting it aside, and leave 1–2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic flavor.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, optional chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a smooth sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the sautéed onion and garlic, cooked bacon, and drained beans into the sauce mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 2-quart baking dish and pour in the bean mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake Beans: Bake the beans uncovered in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and thickened. Halfway through the baking time, give the beans a gentle stir for even consistency.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked beans to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken further.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, prepare the beans a day ahead to let the flavors intensify overnight.
- You can cook the beans longer for a thicker texture or add a splash of water if you prefer a saucier consistency.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the onion instead.
