Rich, smoky, and slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce using molasses, brown sugar, and a hint of smoked paprika, these homemade Baked beans recipe are pure comfort food! Whether you’re serving them alongside grilled meats at a summer BBQ or with a warm slice of cornbread, these beans will steal the show.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Deep, Smoky Flavor: Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and molasses make these beans incredibly flavorful.
✔ Slow-Baked to Perfection: Long, slow baking allows the sauce to caramelize and thicken beautifully.
✔ Excellent for Meal Prep: These beans taste even better the next day!
✔ Healthier Alternative: Made with pure, whole foods no preservatives or artificial additives.
✔ Versatile Side Dish: Serve with hot dogs, burgers, BBQ, or cornbread.
Ingredients
For the Beans:
- Dried Navy Beans (or canned, drained, and rinsed) : A traditional choice for baked beans.
- Water : For soaking and cooking.
- Salt : Enhances the flavor and softens the beans.
For the Sweet & Smoky Sauce:
- Diced Onion : Adds a savory, aromatic depth.
- Garlic (Minced) : Provides bold, rich flavor.
- Ketchup : Gives the sauce a sweet tang and forms the base.
- Molasses : A must-have for baked beans, adding rich, caramel-like depth.
- Brown Sugar : Balances the smoky, tangy flavors.
- Dijon Mustard : Adds a mild sharpness.
- Worcestershire Sauce : Enhances the umami savory undertones.
- Smoked Paprika : Infuses a subtle smoky warmth.
- Black Pepper & Salt : For balance and seasoning.
- Water or Vegetable Broth : Helps create a thick, flavorful sauce.
- Optional: Cooked & Crumbled Turkey Bacon : Adds a smoky touch.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
For more inspiration on bean dishes, check out this baked beans with ground beef recipe.
How to Make Homemade Baked Beans
Step 1: Prepare the Beans (Skip if using canned beans)
- Rinse dried navy beans and soak them overnight in water.
- Drain and rinse, then add beans to a pot of fresh water with salt.
- Simmer for 45-50 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a large oven-safe pot, heat a little oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (3-4 minutes).
- Stir in brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and broth (or water).
- Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
Step 3: Bake the Beans
- Stir in cooked beans (and crumbled turkey bacon, if using).
- Cover and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- If beans seem too dry, add a splash of water or broth.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the beans rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with BBQ meats, cornbread, or a simple salad.
Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Beans
✔ Soak the Beans Overnight : This speeds up cooking and ensures even texture.
✔ Use a Dutch Oven : A heavy-duty pot ensures better caramelization and steady heat.
✔ Adjust the Sweetness : Modify molasses and brown sugar to your preference.
✔ Want Thicker Sauce? Simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes of baking.
✔ Enhance the Smoky Flavor : Use smoked sausage or beef bacon instead of turkey bacon.
How to Serve
These slow-baked beans pair perfectly with:
- 🍖 BBQ Pulled Chicken or Ribs : A classic BBQ side dish.
- 🌽 Cornbread : The perfect sweet-and-savory combination.
- 🍔 Grilled Hot Dogs or Burgers : A backyard cookout essential.
- 🥗 Simple Green Salad : Balances the richness of the beans.
- 🍗 Baked Chicken or Pork Chops : A cozy, comforting meal idea.
Make Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as needed.
FAQs
1. Can I Make These Beans in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! After preparing the sauce and beans, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on Low for 6-8 hours.
2. Can I Use Different Beans?
Absolutely! Black beans, great northern beans, or pinto beans work well.
3. Can This Be Made Vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the turkey bacon.
4. How Can I Make My Baked Beans Even Smokier?
- Add liquid smoke or extra smoked paprika.
- Use turkey bacon or smoked sausage.
- Cook the beans in a cast iron pot for deeper flavor.
Conclusion
Rich, slow-cooked, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor, these homemade baked beans are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Serve them at a family dinner, picnic, or BBQ, and watch everyone come back for seconds! 😋🔥
Homemade Baked Beans
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Oven-Safe Dutch Oven or Casserole Dish
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
For the Beans
- 2 cups dried navy beans or 4 cups canned, drained & rinsed
- 6 cups water for soaking & cooking
- 1 tsp salt
For the Sauce
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 4 slices turkey bacon cooked and crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse dried beans and soak them in water overnight.
- Drain and rinse the beans. Add them to a pot with fresh water and salt. Simmer for 45-50 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- In a large oven-safe pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and broth. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Stir the cooked beans into the sauce. If using, mix in crumbled turkey bacon.
- Cover and bake for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water if needed to prevent drying out.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with cornbread or as a BBQ side.