Baked Beans
A classic American comfort food, these beans are slow-baked in a sweet and tangy sauce with smoky bacon. The perfect side for any barbecue or potluck, they are rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying.
For 8 servings
8 steps. 75 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a large oven-safe Dutch oven or skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to create the sauce.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Add the rinsed and drained navy beans, the sautéed onion, and half of the crispy bacon to the sauce. Stir gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Pour the bean mixture into a 2-quart baking dish (or keep it in the Dutch oven if using). Sprinkle the remaining bacon evenly over the top.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Bake uncovered for 75 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly, thick, and has caramelized around the edges.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Remove from the oven and let the baked beans rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper, richer flavor, use dark molasses instead of light.
- 2Don't skip rinsing the canned beans; it removes excess sodium and starch, leading to a better texture and flavor.
- 3If the sauce seems too thick during baking, you can stir in a few tablespoons of hot water to loosen it up.
- 4These beans taste even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- 5You can make this in a slow cooker. Sauté the bacon and onion first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- 6For a bit of heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the bacon. Sauté the onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce to replicate the smoky flavor.
SpicySpicy
Add one finely chopped jalapeño along with the onion, and include 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce mixture.
Different BeansDifferent Beans
While navy beans are classic, you can substitute with pinto beans, kidney beans, or a mix of your favorite canned beans.
Maple FlavoredMaple-Flavored
Replace the brown sugar with an equal amount of pure maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Navy beans are packed with dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Beans are a great source of plant-based protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and overall body function.
Provides Key Minerals
This dish offers important minerals like iron, which is vital for oxygen transport in the blood, and manganese, an antioxidant that supports bone health and metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
One 3/4-cup serving of these homemade baked beans contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the specific brands of ingredients used, particularly the bacon and ketchup.