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The Best Baked Beans

The Best Baked Beans
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The Best Baked Beans is a hearty and flavorful comfort food featuring tender navy beans simmered in a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet sauce. This classic dish combines bacon or smoked sausage with aromatic onions and garlic, tomato sauce, brown sugar or molasses, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and spices to create a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy notes. Ideal as a side or a main, this versatile recipe is perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or potlucks and can be easily adapted for vegetarian or spicier versions.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) Navy Beans, drained and rinsed

Meat

  • 4 slices Bacon, diced or 8 oz Smoked Sausage, sliced

Aromatics

  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced

Sauces and Sweeteners

  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce
  • ¼ cup Brown Sugar or 2 tablespoons Molasses
  • 1 tablespoon Mustard (yellow or Dijon)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked or regular)
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper

Optional for Vegetarian Variation

  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika or a few drops of Liquid Smoke (instead of bacon/sausage)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics and Meat: Fry the diced bacon or smoked sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy and flavorful. Remove the meat from the skillet, leaving the drippings behind. In the same skillet with the drippings, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Combine the Base Ingredients: Add the drained navy beans, tomato sauce, brown sugar or molasses, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and black pepper to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir well to combine all ingredients and meld the flavors.
  3. Simmer Low and Slow: Return the cooked bacon or smoked sausage to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a rich, saucy consistency.
  4. Adjust and Serve: Taste the baked beans and adjust seasoning as needed. Add extra brown sugar for sweetness or a splash of vinegar to brighten and add tang. Serve the baked beans hot, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley, green onions, or crispy fried onions.

Notes

  • Use dried navy beans soaked and cooked for creamier texture and richer flavor.
  • Slow simmering develops depth and thickens the sauce beautifully.
  • Add sweeteners gradually, as brown sugar and molasses vary in sweetness intensity.
  • Incorporate smoky elements such as bacon, smoked sausage, or smoked paprika for authentic depth.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent beans from sticking to the pan and ensure even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, comfort food, smoked beans, navy beans, BBQ side dish, hearty beans, vegetarian baked beans option, easy bean recipe

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/the-best-baked-beans/