Description
This recipe for Best Baked Beans features smoky bacon, sweet molasses, tangy mustard, and a blend of spices baked in a Dutch oven to create a rich, hearty, and flavorful side dish perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- 1/2 lb. apple or cherrywood smoked bacon, finely chopped
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
Sauces & Sweeteners
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Others
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 (15-oz.) cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the finely chopped smoked bacon in a cold, large Dutch oven or ovenproof pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the bacon is browned and much of the fat has rendered out, about 10 minutes.
- Sauté vegetables and season: Add the chopped yellow onion, red bell pepper, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the browned bacon. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the vegetables soften slightly and become fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
- Combine sauce ingredients and beans: Stir in ketchup, molasses, Dijon mustard, light brown sugar, water, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. Add the drained and rinsed navy beans and stir everything together to combine well.
- Bake the beans: Transfer the Dutch oven or ovenproof pot to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered until the sauce has thickened, is bubbly, and the top is browned slightly, about 45 minutes. Once baked, let the beans sit for 10 minutes before stirring and serving.
Notes
- Use apple or cherrywood smoked bacon for a deeper smoky flavor.
- You can substitute navy beans with cannellini or great northern beans if preferred.
- Be sure to rinse the canned beans to reduce excess sodium.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less molasses and brown sugar.
- Leftover beans keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked beans, smoked bacon, molasses, comfort food, barbecue side dish, navy beans, easy bean recipe
