The Best Baked Beans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe is hassle-free.

• Customizable Flavor: Adjust the sweetness and smokiness to your liking by modifying the amount of brown sugar and adding liquid smoke.

• Versatile Serving Options: Serve hot or cold, making it suitable for any season or occasion.

• Budget-Friendly: Using dried navy beans keeps the cost low, and the recipe yields multiple servings.

• No Soaking Required: Unlike many baked bean recipes, this one doesn’t require soaking the beans overnight.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 16 oz dried navy beans (or any small white bean)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• ½ cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed

• ⅓ cup molasses

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

• 2 teaspoons dry mustard

• 5 cups water

• ¼ to ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• Salt, to taste

• ½ lb cooked, drained, and crumbled meat

• Liquid smoke, to taste (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Rinse and pick through the dried beans to remove any debris or damaged beans.

2. Combine the beans, diced onion, dark brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, dry mustard, water, and black pepper in a 6-quart slow cooker.

3. Add the cooked meat and a few drops of liquid smoke to the mixture if desired.

4. Stir the ingredients until well combined.

5. Cover and cook on low for about 12 hours, or until the beans are tender.

6. Once cooked, stir in salt to taste.

7. Set the slow cooker to the “keep warm” setting until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 12 hours

• Total Time: 12 hours 5 minutes

• Servings: Approximately 12

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and substitute vegetable broth for water.

• Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 tablespoons of diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.

• Smoky Flavor: Increase the amount of liquid smoke or add smoked paprika.

• Sweet Twist: Incorporate a small can of crushed pineapple for added sweetness and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Baked beans can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

• Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to reach desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can substitute canned beans. Use about 4 cans of beans, drain and rinse them, and reduce the cooking time to 2-3 hours on low.

2. Is it necessary to cook the meat before adding it?

Yes, cooking the meat beforehand ensures it’s safe to eat and allows you to drain excess fat.

3. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the beans in a large pot on the stovetop. Simmer for 2-3 hours, adding water as needed to keep the beans covered.

4. How can I make the beans spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to increase the heat.

5. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and refrigerate them. In the morning, just start the slow cooker.

6. How do I adjust the sweetness?

Increase or decrease the amount of brown sugar and molasses to suit your taste.

7. Can I add other meats?

Yes, ground beef, sausage, or kielbasa can be added for a heartier dish.

8. Are there any vegetarian substitutes?

Use vegetable broth instead of water and omit the meat for a vegetarian version.

9. How do I make the beans less sweet?

Reduce the amount of brown sugar and molasses, and consider adding a bit more vinegar for tang.

10. Can I use a different type of bean?

Yes, great northern beans or pinto beans can be used as alternatives.

Conclusion

This baked beans recipe is a timeless classic that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a comforting side dish, these beans are sure to be a hit. Their versatility allows for customization to suit any palate, making them a staple in many households.