Old Fashioned Baked Beans

Old Fashioned Baked Beans

6 servings
Deliciously thick, sweet, smoky and savory, these from-scratch Old Fashioned Baked Beans are sure to be a hit at your next BBQ, picnic, potluck or family dinner!

Ingredients

  • dried navy beans
    1 lb
  • thick cut bacon

    , diced

    8 oz
  • yellow onion

    , finely chopped

    1 medium
  • garlic

    , minced

    2 cloves
  • plain tomato sauce or ketchup
    ½ c
  • molasses
    ¼ c
  • brown sugar
    ½ c
  • apple cider vinegar
    2 tbsp
  • prepared yellow mustard
    1 tbsp
  • worcestershire sauce
    2 tsp
  • smoked paprika
    1 tsp
  • salt
    2 tsp
  • freshly ground black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • bay leaf
    1

Directions

  1. 1

    Place the dried beans in a pot of water covered by a few inches of water and let soak overnight. Drain the beans, place them back in the pot with fresh water and bring to a boil. Simmer for one hour, then drain, reserving the liquid. See NOTE.

  2. 2

    In a Dutch oven or other oven-proof pot fry the bacon until crispy then add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, 5-7 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook for another minute.Stir in the tomato sauce, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper and bay leaf.Add 1 1/2 cups of the reserved bean water and the beans.Bring everything to a simmer for a minute or two to heat it up.  In the meantime preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

  3. 3

    Transfer the Dutch oven with the lid on to the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 2 to 3 hours or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened, removing the lid during the last 20-30 minutes to help the sauce thicken.  NOTE: If at any point during the cooking process too much liquid evaporates and the beans get dry, add a little more of the reserved bean water. The beans themselves can vary from batch to batch and you may end up either needing to add more liquid if the beans are too dry or you may need to bake the beans longer with the lid off if there is too much liquid. Adjust as needed.Add more salt the pepper to taste.Serve immediately or let cool completely and refrigerate until ready to serve.  Can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

  4. 4

    SLOW COOKER METHOD: Follow steps 1 and 2 and then pour everything into the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours or until the beans are tender. Open the lid for the last 30 minutes or longer until the sauce has thickened. If the beans are too thick at any point and too much liquid has evaporated, stir in a little extra water.

Old Fashioned Baked Beans

Old Fashioned Baked Beans

735 min6 servings537 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving the ultimate side dish that brings everyone back for seconds? These Old Fashioned Baked Beans are your answer, delivering that perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory goodness you remember from classic cookouts.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines by building deep flavor from the ground up, starting with dried navy beans that yield a superior, creamy texture you simply can't get from canned. The combination of thick cut bacon, rich molasses, and brown sugar creates an irresistible, perfectly balanced sauce. Smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce add layers of savory depth and a subtle tang that truly makes these baked beans special.

What to Expect

You'll be rewarded with a pot of deliciously thick, tender beans enveloped in a glossy, rich sauce that's both sweet and savory, with a distinct smoky undertone. The texture is hearty and satisfying, making it a substantial addition to any meal. While the total time includes an essential overnight soak for the beans, the hands-on prep is straightforward, setting you up for a truly comforting and flavorful experience that tastes authentically homemade.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adjust the sweetness by slightly increasing or decreasing the brown sugar and molasses to your taste. For a spicier kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added with the smoked paprika. If you're looking for a different bacon flavor, consider a maple-cured variety, or even turkey bacon for a slightly leaner option.

Serving & Context

These classic Old Fashioned Baked Beans are the quintessential side for any BBQ, picnic, or potluck. They also make a fantastic, comforting addition to a casual family dinner, pairing wonderfully with grilled meats, hot dogs, or hearty sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions