Get ready to transform your ordinary side dish into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds! These Homemade Bacon Baked Beans are not just a recipe; they're a culinary experience that combines the smoky richness of crispy bacon, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the hearty comfort of perfectly cooked navy beans. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, a family dinner, or just craving a soul-warming dish, this recipe promises to elevate your meal from good to absolutely unforgettable.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure a rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crisp and renders its fat, approximately 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with bacon grease, sauté the diced onion until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a large baking dish, combine the drained and rinsed navy beans, crispy bacon pieces, sautéed onions, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Season the bean mixture with salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes, removing the foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the top to caramelize and become slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the beans rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot as a side dish or hearty accompaniment to grilled meats, barbecue, or as part of a classic American meal.
Tips
- Choose Quality Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness. The bacon's quality will significantly impact the overall taste of your beans.
- Reserve Bacon Grease: Don't discard all the bacon fat! Using a portion of it to sauté the onions adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
- Low and Slow Baking: The long, slow baking process allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich, caramelized top layer.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the brown sugar to your preference. If you like a sweeter dish, add a bit more; for a more savory version, reduce the amount.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the beans to rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and intensifies the flavors.
- Make Ahead Friendly: These beans taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare them in advance and reheat before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
