Baked Beans
These homemade baked beans are thick, smoky, and tangy with a rich sauce that elevates any cookout or dinner. Perfect for summer BBQs or as a hearty side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Beans and Liquids
- 1 pound dried navy beans (Can substitute with great northern beans.)
- 2-3 cups bean cooking liquid or water (As needed for desired consistency.)
Flavor Agents
- 6-8 slices bacon, chopped (Smoked turkey can be used as a substitute.)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup molasses (Use regular molasses for best flavor.)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (Dark brown sugar recommended.)
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (Dijon mustard can be used.)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (Optional)
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the beans, then soak them overnight in plenty of water. If you forget, you can do a quick soak by boiling them for 2 minutes, then letting them sit for 1 hour.
- Drain the soaking water and cover beans with fresh water. Simmer until just tender, usually 45 to 60 minutes.
- In a skillet, cook the bacon until it is starting to crisp. Add the onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic for about 30 seconds.
Mixing and Baking
- In a large bowl or right in your baking dish, stir together ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, smoked paprika, and a pinch of pepper.
- Add beans, bacon mixture, and enough reserved bean liquid to make everything nice and saucy. Bake uncovered until thick and glossy, stirring once or twice.
Notes
Let the beans sit for 10 to 15 minutes after baking for the sauce to settle and thicken. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Find it online: https://firststeprecipes.com/good-baked-beans/
