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Classic Comfort Baked Beans Recipe with Brown Sugar and Bacon

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A warm, cozy baked beans recipe featuring navy beans slow-cooked with smoky bacon and sweet brown sugar, perfect for family gatherings and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound navy beans (dry), soaked overnight or quick-soaked
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped (Applewood-smoked preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed), dark brown recommended
  • 1/4 cup molasses (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound navy beans under cold water. Soak overnight in plenty of water (about 8 cups) or quick soak by boiling for 2 minutes then letting sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped thick-cut bacon until crispy and fat is rendered, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and leave fat in pot.
  3. Add chopped onion to bacon fat and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Return drained beans to the pot. Add 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water), 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup molasses, 1/4 cup ketchup, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally until beans are tender but not mushy.
  6. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Stir in cooked bacon and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Transfer pot with lid to oven and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes to thicken sauce and caramelize the top.
  7. Remove from oven, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor. Soaking beans is essential for tenderness and shorter cooking time. Stir gently to avoid breaking beans. Baking at the end thickens the sauce and caramelizes the top. For thicker sauce, mash a few beans against the pot side. Add water or broth if sauce dries out during baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, brown sugar, bacon, comfort food, navy beans, homemade baked beans, easy baked beans, potluck recipe, BBQ side dish

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/classic-comfort-baked-beans-recipe-with-brown-sugar-and-bacon-easy-homemade-guide/