Old Fashioned Baked Beans

Old Fashioned Baked Beans are a nostalgic dish that brings back cherished memories of family gatherings and backyard barbecues. This recipe features creamy navy beans slow-cooked to perfection with smoky bacon and a rich, sweet sauce made from molasses and tomato. Each bite offers a delightful blend of flavors, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or enjoying a cozy night in, these baked beans will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time3 hrs

Total Time3 hrs 15 mins

Course: SIDES Cuisine: American Keyword: Substitute canned navy beans to save time; adjust seasoning as needed. Experiment with spices like cayenne for extra heat or add bell peppers for added flavor. Serve warm alongside grilled meats or cornbread for a classic meal experience. Servings: Serves about 6 people Calories: 320kcal Author: Tisha

Ingredients

1 pound dried navy beans
8 oz thick-cut bacon, diced
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup plain tomato sauce or ketchup
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp yellow mustard
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 bay leaf

Instructions

Soak navy beans overnight in water. Drain and boil in fresh water for 1 hour. Reserve cooking liquid.
In a Dutch oven, fry bacon until crisp. Add onion; cook until softened. Stir in garlic.
Mix in tomato sauce, molasses, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
Add drained beans and 1½ cups of reserved cooking liquid. Simmer for 3 minutes.
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Cover Dutch oven and bake for 2 to 3 hours; remove lid last 30 minutes to thicken.
Discard bay leaf before serving.

Nutrition