Here’s a classic, hearty Baked Beans recipe — sweet, savory, and perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or weeknight dinners 🍲
🍛 Classic Baked Beans
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 slices bacon, chopped (optional, for smoky flavor)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 2 tbsp molasses (optional, for depth)
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking.
- Cook aromatics
In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside.
Sauté onions in bacon fat (or a little oil) until soft, 3–4 minutes. - Mix beans & sauce
In a baking dish, combine beans, cooked onions, bacon, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well. - Bake
Cover with foil and bake 45–60 minutes, stirring halfway, until thick and bubbly. - Serve
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Great with grilled meats or cornbread.
Stove-Top Shortcut
- Combine all ingredients in a pot, simmer on low 20–30 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
Flavor Variations
- Add chopped bell peppers or a small diced apple for sweetness.
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different twist.
- Make spicy by adding ½ tsp cayenne or hot sauce.
If you want, I can give you a slow-cooker version that’s set-it-and-forget-it perfect for gatherings.
