Discover the ultimate baked bean recipe, perfect for family gatherings and BBQs. Made with tender navy beans, smoky bacon, and a rich, savory sauce featuring BBQ sauce, molasses, and smoked paprika, these baked beans are packed with flavor. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures delicious results every time. Great for potlucks, cookouts, and comfort food cravings. Try it today and elevate your side dish game with the best homemade baked beans.
Variations
- Using Canned Beans: If you’re short on time, substitute 4 (15.5-ounce) cans of pork and beans for the dried beans, and omit the tomato sauce.
- Substituting Brown Sugar for Molasses: If you don’t have molasses on hand, brown sugar is a great alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Baked beans are versatile and pair well with many dishes. Serve them as a side at your next BBQ, alongside grilled meats, or as a hearty main dish with some crusty bread. They also pair wonderfully with coleslaw, cornbread, and a fresh green salad.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a little water if they become too thick. These beans often taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use a different type of bean?
A1: Absolutely! While navy beans are traditional, you can experiment with pinto beans, great northern beans, or black beans.
Q2: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
A2: Yes, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the vegetables.
Q3: How can I make the beans less sweet?
A3: Reduce the amount of ketchup and BBQ sauce or use a less sweet variety of BBQ sauce.
Q4: Can I freeze baked beans?
A4: Yes, baked beans freeze well. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q5: What can I add for more heat?
A5: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños to the sautéed vegetables for extra spice.
Best Baked Bean Recipe
6
servings15
minutes1
hourThis savory Baked BBQ Navy Beans recipe combines tender navy beans with crispy bacon and a blend of flavorful sauces. Perfect as a hearty side dish for barbecues or family gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a delicious smoky taste to your table.
Ingredients
Preparing the Beans
Soak the Beans: Start by soaking the dried navy beans overnight to soften them and reduce cooking time.
Cook the Beans: In a Dutch oven or large stockpot, add the soaked beans, salt, and enough water to cover the beans by two inches. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes. Reduce the heat and simmer until tender, which can take up to 2 hours. Reserve a couple of cups of the cooking water, then drain the beans.
Preparing the Bacon
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees.
Par-Bake the Bacon: Place the bacon slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cook for 6 minutes to partially cook the bacon and render some of the fat. Reserve the bacon grease for later use. Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces once it’s cool enough to handle.
Cooking the Vegetables
Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, add the reserved bacon grease. Sauté the minced onion and chopped red bell pepper until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Garlic: Reduce the heat and add the minced garlic, cooking for another minute while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Combining Ingredients
Mix Everything Together: In a serving dish, combine the cooked and drained beans with the sautéed vegetables. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, BBQ sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all the flavors.
Baking the Beans
Initial Bake: Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the top of the bean mixture. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
Final Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, checking periodically. If the beans become too thick, use the reserved bean cooking liquid to thin them out to your desired consistency.
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