Baked Beans Recipe

American · Side dish · 195 min total

A classic American comfort food, these homemade baked beans are slow-cooked with molasses and bacon for a sweet and savory flavor that's perfect for barbecues and family dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pot.
3. Add onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and water. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add soaked beans and reserved bacon to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Cover and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and sauce has thickened. If beans seem dry, add a little more water.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• These beans freeze well for up to 3 months.

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