What kind of beans are used in traditional baked beans?

Navy beans and Great Northern beans are the most common. Both are white beans with a mild, creamy texture that absorbs sauce well without falling apart. Either works perfectly in this recipe.

What is the difference between baked beans and cowboy beans?

Traditional baked beans tend to be sweeter with molasses and brown sugar. Cowboy beans (cowboy beans recette) usually include jalapeños or chili peppers for heat, sometimes ground beef or sausage, and have a smokier, spicier profile overall.

How do I thicken homemade baked beans?

Simmer uncovered for the last few minutes of cooking to let excess liquid evaporate. The sauce also thickens naturally as the beans cool, so let them rest a few minutes off the heat before serving.

Can I make baked beans without bacon?

Yes. For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika plus a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce. The result is still rich and smoky without any meat.

Homemade Baked Beans Recipe That Tastes Like Home

Description

Warm, sweet, smoky homemade baked beans made with bacon, molasses, brown sugar, and pantry staples for a quick comfort-food side that tastes slow-cooked.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cans Great Northern beans or navy beans, drained and rinsed
6 slices bacon, diced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 cup water or broth, as needed

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Instructions

Drain and rinse the canned beans under cold water.
Add diced bacon to a large pan over medium heat and cook until crispy and browned.
Remove the bacon pieces and set them aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add the tomato sauce, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir the beans and cooked bacon back into the pan gently.
Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce looks too thick.
Reduce the heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
Remove from heat and let the beans rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Simmer on low so the beans stay tender and the sauce does not scorch. The sauce thickens as it cools, so let the baked beans rest before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 310
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 9g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 18mg