Description
A classic comfort food, baked beans are tender beans slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect as a side dish or a main course.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups dried navy beans (or 4 cups canned navy beans, drained and rinsed)
- 6 cups water (if using dried beans)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- If using dried beans, rinse and soak them overnight in water. Drain and rinse again before cooking.
- Pre-cook the soaked beans in 6 cups of water until tender, about 1 hour. Drain.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven, combine cooked or canned beans, chopped onion, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- Stir well to combine. Add chopped bacon if using.
- Cover the pot and bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of water if it becomes too dry.
- Uncover for the last 30 minutes for a thicker consistency and caramelized top.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Vegetarian version: Omit bacon or use plant-based bacon substitute.
- Canned beans save time and reduce preparation steps.
- Adjust sweetness and tanginess by modifying the amount of molasses and vinegar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg