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Savory Baked Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar

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A quick and easy recipe for baked beans with a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors from brown sugar and bacon. Ideal for cozy family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) navy beans, drained and rinsed (or great northern beans)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1/3 cup (70 g) brown sugar, packed (dark brown sugar preferred)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) molasses (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir until smooth and glossy.
  5. Add the cooked bacon, sautéed onions, and garlic to the sauce mixture and stir well to combine.
  6. Fold in the drained navy beans gently, ensuring all beans are coated but not mashed.
  7. Transfer the mixture into a large oven-safe baking dish or Dutch oven, spreading evenly.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, until the sauce thickens and bubbles around the edges and the top starts to caramelize.
  9. Let the beans rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Notes

If beans dry out during baking, add a splash of water or broth halfway through. For extra caramelization, broil for 2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning. You can substitute turkey bacon, smoked sausage, or smoked tempeh for different dietary needs. Reduce brown sugar for less sweetness if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bacon, brown sugar, savory beans, smoky beans, easy recipe, comfort food, navy beans

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/savory-baked-beans-with-bacon-and-brown-sugar-easy-recipe-for-perfect-sweet-and-smoky-flavor/