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Easy Homemade Baked Beans from Scratch Recipe for Perfect Flavor

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A comforting and flavorful baked beans recipe made from dried navy beans, smoky bacon, and a rich sweet-savory sauce. Perfect for cookouts, family dinners, and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place 1 pound dried navy beans in a large bowl. Cover with cold water by at least 2 inches and soak overnight (8-12 hours). Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  3. In a large Dutch oven, cook 4 chopped bacon slices over medium heat until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  4. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion to the bacon fat. Cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 more minute, careful not to burn.
  5. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 3 tablespoons molasses, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
  6. Add the soaked, drained beans back to the pot along with 4 cups broth. Stir in cooked bacon, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika if using.
  7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring every 30-40 minutes to prevent sticking and check liquid level. Add more broth or water if it looks dry.
  8. After baking, taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness with more brown sugar or molasses if desired. Beans should be tender but hold their shape, and sauce thick and glossy.
  9. Let the baked beans sit for 10 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce and allow flavors to settle.

Notes

For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika and liquid smoke. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To keep beans tender, soak overnight and bake low and slow. Stir every 30-40 minutes during baking to prevent sticking and add liquid if dry. Beans freeze well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, homemade baked beans, navy beans, slow cooked beans, bacon baked beans, molasses beans, easy baked beans recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/easy-homemade-baked-beans-from-scratch-recipe-for-perfect-flavor/