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Cozy Baked Beans with Brown Sugar and Bacon

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A comforting homemade baked beans recipe featuring tender navy beans simmered with smoky bacon and sweet brown sugar for a perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups dried navy beans (soaked overnight) or 3 cans (15 oz each), rinsed
  • 6 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups water or broth

Instructions

  1. If using dried beans, rinse and soak 1 ½ cups navy beans in cold water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse again before cooking. (Skip if using canned beans.)
  2. Par-cook the soaked beans by placing them in a pot with 6 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour until just tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat in the pot.
  4. Add chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add the cooked (or canned) beans and reserved bacon back into the pot. Pour in 2 cups water or broth and stir gently to combine.
  7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent sticking. The sauce will thicken and flavors will deepen.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or sweetness as needed. Add a splash of water or broth if sauce becomes too thick.
  9. Serve warm, optionally stirring in 1 tablespoon butter for extra richness. Pairs well with cornbread or grilled meats.

Notes

For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika plus a splash of liquid smoke. Slow cooker method: after sautéing bacon and aromatics, transfer to slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Beans taste better the next day after flavors meld. Stir in butter before serving for richness. Adjust brown sugar to taste to avoid overpowering sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, brown sugar, bacon, comfort food, homemade, navy beans, slow cooked, easy recipe

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/cozy-baked-beans-with-brown-sugar-and-bacon-easy-homemade-recipe-from-scratch/