What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade baked beans recipe is a comforting classic that’s easy to make and perfect for any meal. You’ll love how it brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your table.
- Rich and hearty flavors that meld together beautifully.
- Customizable to suit your taste with simple ingredient swaps.
- A make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day.
Recipe
Baked beans are a classic comfort food, perfect for a hearty breakfast or a side dish at any meal. This homemade version is rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare using simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried navy beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Instructions:
- Rinse and soak the navy beans in water overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
- In a large pot, combine soaked beans and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until beans are tender. Drain, reserving 1 cup of cooking liquid.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a baking dish, mix cooked beans, onion, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir in the reserved cooking liquid.
- Top with chopped bacon.
- Cover and bake for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Notes:
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon.
- The beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
- Cooking time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 6-8 servings
Nutrition
Homemade baked beans are a nutritious option, providing protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
Calories: 220
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 10g
Sugars: 12g
Fat: 2g
Sodium: 400mg
Potassium: 600mg
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade baked beans with warm, buttery grilled cornbread—it’s the perfect combo of sweet and savory. Another favorite of mine is serving them alongside tender barbecue ribs, which adds a smoky flavor that complements the beans so well. Trust me, these sides turn a simple dish into a hearty, satisfying meal.
Grilled Cornbread
When you’re serving up a hearty dish like homemade baked beans, grilled cornbread is the perfect companion, and I’ve found it’s surprisingly simple to make. Just whip up your favorite cornbread batter, pour it into a greased skillet, and grill it over medium heat until golden. The smoky char adds a delicious depth, while the inside stays tender and sweet. I love how the crispy edges contrast with the creamy beans. Serve it warm with a pat of butter, and watch how quickly it disappears. Trust me, once you try grilled cornbread, you’ll never go back to plain old oven-baked.
Barbecue Ribs
There’s nothing quite like tender, smoky barbecue ribs fresh off the grill, but figuring out what to serve alongside them can make or break the meal. I love pairing them with creamy coleslaw for crunch, or buttery cornbread to soak up the sauce. Baked beans are a must—their sweet, tangy flavor complements the ribs perfectly. For something fresh, a crisp green salad or pickles cut through the richness. And don’t forget grilled corn—it’s summer on a plate! These sides balance the meal, so every bite feels just right. Trust me, your guests will keep coming back for more.
