Description

Classic baked beans slow-cooked in a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce made with molasses, brown sugar, and spices—perfect as a hearty side dish for barbecues and comfort food meals.

Ingredients

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4 cups canned navy beans (or 2 cups dried beans, soaked and cooked)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
4 slices bacon, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
If using dried beans, soak overnight and cook until tender. If using canned beans, drain and rinse.
In a skillet, cook chopped bacon until crisp (if using), then remove and sauté onions in bacon fat until soft.
In a large bowl, mix ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Add beans, cooked onions, and bacon to the sauce and stir well.
Transfer mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil.
Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, removing foil for the last 30 minutes for a thicker sauce.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Vegetarian version: skip the bacon or use a plant-based alternative.
Adjust sweetness or tang by tweaking the brown sugar or vinegar levels.
Make ahead and reheat—the flavors get even better the next day.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 220
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 10mg