Hearty baked beans recipe

/ bloomhearty

Smoky, sweet, and savory homemade baked beans.

This homemade baked bean recipe stands out due to its rich blend of flavors from brown sugar, molasses, and a mix of spices like cloves, cinnamon, and allspice. The bacon adds a smoky, savory depth, while the combination of ketchup and mustard provides a tangy sweetness. Slow baking melds these flavors, creating a thick, hearty sauce that perfectly coats the tender beans. Serve these beans with grilled meats like burgers, hot dogs, or ribs, or enjoy them alongside cornbread, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups navy beans, soaked overnight
  • 6 cups water
  • 4 cups broth
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped

Directions

  1. Prepare the Beans
    • Rinse and drain the soaked beans.
    • Place beans in a large pot with 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour or until beans are tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce
    • In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice and 4 cups of broth. Mix well.
  3. Cook the Beans
    • Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
    • In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, layer the beans, chopped onion, and bacon. Pour the sauce mixture over the top and stir to combine.
    • Cover the pot and bake for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. If the beans seem too dry, add a little water as needed during the cooking process.
  4. Final Touches
    • Remove the pot from the oven and let the beans sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Tips

  • For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked bacon or add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.
  • If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or molasses to your liking.

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