What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade baked beans recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make. You’ll enjoy the rich, smoky taste that comes from simple ingredients cooked to perfection. It’s incredibly versatile****, fitting in at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s healthier than canned versions**, with no added preservatives or mystery ingredients. Plus, it’s budget-friendly**, using pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Recipe
Homemade Baked Beans are a classic comfort food, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich, flavorful dish that’s hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried navy beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups water
- 1/4 pound bacon, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse and sort the beans, removing any debris. Soak the beans overnight in water.
- Drain and rinse the beans. Place them in a large pot with 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon (if using) until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Sauté the onion and garlic in the bacon fat until softened.
- Add the molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked beans and bacon (if using) to the pot. Mix well.
- Cover the pot and bake for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the sauce is thickened.
Notes:
- For vegetarian baked beans, omit the bacon and use olive oil instead of bacon fat.
- Adjust sweetness or tanginess by modifying the molasses or ketchup quantities.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Oven-safe pot or Dutch oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
Cook Time: 4-5 hours
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 6-8
Nutrition
Homemade baked beans are a nutritious dish packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. This recipe offers a balanced mix of macronutrients and micronutrients.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Potassium | 500 mg |
| Vitamin C | 6 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade baked beans with grilled cornbread—it’s perfect for soaking up that rich, sweet sauce. Another favorite of mine is serving them with BBQ pulled pork, which creates a hearty, comforting meal. These combos always make for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple yet satisfying.
Grilled Cornbread
Grilled cornbread’s smoky flavor pairs perfectly with hearty dishes like chili, barbecued ribs, or a bowl of homemade baked beans—it’s like they were made for each other. I love how the crispy edges contrast with the soft, moist center, adding texture to every bite. To make it, I brush slices of cornbread with butter and grill them until golden, letting the flames kiss the surface for that extra char. It’s simple yet transforms the whole meal. I’ve found that it’s comforting alongside savory dishes, balancing their richness. Plus, leftovers warm up beautifully for breakfast the next day.
BBQ Pulled Pork
When you’ve got tender, smoky BBQ pulled pork ready to go, the right sides can turn it into a meal you’ll crave again and again. I love pairing it with creamy coleslaw for crunch, or buttery cornbread to soak up the sauce. Tangy pickles cut through the richness, while baked beans add a sweet, savory depth. Don’t forget crispy fries or a fresh green salad for balance. And if you’re feeling extra, a pile of mac and cheese never hurts. Trust me, these combos make every bite better—just don’t blame me if you go back for seconds!
