Get ready to experience a mouthwatering journey through a classic American comfort food that will transport you straight to grandma's kitchen! These irresistible baked beans are more than just a side dish - they're a nostalgic culinary embrace that promises to steal the show at your next family gathering or backyard barbecue. With a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz) navy beans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup bacon, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even heating.
- Drain and rinse the navy beans thoroughly in a colander under cold running water to remove excess sodium from the canned beans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained navy beans with brown sugar, ketchup, chopped onion, mustard, and black pepper. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
- Crisp the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's slightly golden and releases its fat, about 3-4 minutes. Do not overcook.
- Add the crispy bacon and its rendered fat to the bean mixture, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Transfer the bean mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the beans from drying out during baking.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the top to caramelize and develop a slightly crispy texture.
- Remove from the oven and let the beans rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- To ensure your baked beans turn out perfectly every time, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Choose high-quality canned navy beans and rinse them thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
- Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and a satisfying crispy texture.
- Don't skip the caramelization step - removing the foil in the last 15 minutes creates a deliciously golden top.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of molasses or a dash of smoked paprika.
- If you prefer a saucier consistency, add a little extra ketchup or a few tablespoons of water.
- Let the beans rest after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken naturally.
- These beans taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make them in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
