Description
Rich, smoky, sweet, and savory—these baked beans are slow-cooked to perfection with brown sugar, bacon, and a tangy BBQ kick. Perfect as a side dish for cookouts, potlucks, or anytime you want comfort food with bold flavor.
Ingredients
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4 cups canned or cooked navy beans (about 2 cans, drained & rinsed)
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6 slices bacon, chopped
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1 small onion, finely diced
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1/2 cup ketchup
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1/4 cup molasses
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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2 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Optional: 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce
Instructions
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Cook Bacon & Onion: In a large skillet or pot, cook bacon until crisp. Remove some for topping. Add onions and sauté until softened.
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Mix Sauce: Stir in ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
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Combine Beans: Add beans and mix until fully coated.
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Bake: Transfer to a baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 45–60 minutes, until bubbly and thick.
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Serve: Garnish with reserved bacon and serve warm.
Notes
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Use maple syrup instead of molasses for a milder sweetness.
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For smoky heat, add chipotle powder or smoked paprika.
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Make it vegetarian by omitting bacon and using smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
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Can be made a day ahead—flavors deepen overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Calories: 260kal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g