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The Best Homemade Baked Beans Recipe You’ll Ever Try (Seriously!)

A wooden spoon scooping a portion of homemade baked beans, highlighting their glossy sauce and tender texture.
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When it comes to comfort food, baked beans have to be right at the top of the list. Whether you’re serving them at a summer BBQ, bringing them to a potluck, or just making a cozy dinner for the fam, baked beans are always a hit.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beans:

  • 2 cups dried navy beans (or about 4 cans of cooked beans if you’re skipping the soak)
  • 4–5 slices of thick-cut bacon (optional but so good)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup molasses (trust me, this adds magic)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

  • A dash of hot sauce (if you like it spicy)
  • Chopped jalapeños for heat
  • BBQ sauce for extra smokiness

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Beans

If you’re using dried beans (and I highly recommend it), you’ll need to soak them. Place the beans in a large bowl, cover them with water, and let them soak overnight. Got no time for that? A quick soak method works too—boil the beans for 2 minutes, then let them sit for an hour.

Once they’re soaked, drain the beans and rinse them off. Cook them in fresh water until they’re tender but not mushy. (Think “al dente” for beans.)

2: Cook the Bacon and Onion

In a big ol’ skillet, fry up the bacon until it’s crispy and golden. Set it aside, but don’t you dare toss out that bacon grease! Add your diced onion to the same pan and sauté until soft and just starting to caramelize. The smell? Pure heaven.

3: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add a little salt and pepper to taste. This is the magic that makes baked beans baked beans.

4: Combine Everything

In a large baking dish (or Dutch oven if you’re feeling fancy), mix the cooked beans, onions, and your sauce. Crumble the cooked bacon over the top and gently stir it all together.

5: Bake It Low and Slow

Preheat your oven to 300°F. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. If the beans start to dry out, add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep things saucy.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Don’t skimp on things like molasses and smoked paprika—they bring so much depth.
  • Don’t Rush the Baking: Low and slow is the name of the game. It gives the flavors time to meld together.
  • Make It Your Own: Want a more BBQ-forward vibe? Swap some of the ketchup for BBQ sauce. Need it vegetarian? Ditch the bacon and add a splash of liquid smoke.

Nutrition

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Find it online: https://recipesandchill.com/baked-beans-recipe/