The Best Homemade Baked Beans Recipe

The Best Homemade Baked Beans Recipe

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The Best Homemade Baked Beans Recipe

Master the ultimate homemade baked beans with our foolproof recipe! Sweet, savory and packed with bacon, these slow-cooked beans beat canned versions every time.

Ingredients

Serves: 8-10

  • 2 (15 oz) cans navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 pound thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1/3 cup dark molasses
  • 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for tanginess
Baked Beans Recipe ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Slow Cooker Method (Recommended) : 

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy (approximately 5-7 minutes).
  2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add diced onions to the bacon fat, sauté until translucent (5-6 minutes).
  4. Transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker:
    • Drained and rinsed beans
    • Cooked bacon and onions
    • All remaining ingredients
  5. Stir thoroughly to combine
  6. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours
  7. Check consistency at halfway point, adding water if needed
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving
slow cooker beans recipes from bite in 15

2. Oven-Baked Method :

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Follow steps 1-4 above, but transfer to a deep 9×13 baking dish.
  3. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  4. Remove foil and bake for additional 15-30 minutes until desired thickness is achieved.
  5. Stir occasionally and add water if needed.
Oven-Baked beans recipes bite in 15

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ?

  • Rich, sweet and savory flavor profile
  • Made with simple pantry ingredients
  • Can be prepared in slow cooker or oven
  • Better than any canned variety
  • Perfect make-ahead dish

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Beans : 

  • Use thick-cut bacon for robust flavor
  • Don’t drain all the bacon fat – it adds depth
  • Allow beans to rest 15 minutes before serving to thicken
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days
  • Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe container

Recipe Variations: 

  • Maple Bacon: Replace molasses with pure maple syrup
  • Spicy: Add 1 diced jalapeño and 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • Vegetarian: Omit bacon and use 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Smoky: Add 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • Bourbon: Add 2 tablespoons bourbon with the wet ingredients

Yes! Soak 1 pound dried navy beans overnight, then cook until tender before using in recipe. This adds 8-12 hours to prep time.

Reduce brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and molasses to 1/4 cup. Add an extra tablespoon of mustard for more savory flavor.

Absolutely! These beans taste even better the next day. Reheat gently on stovetop or in microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

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