Print

Easy Basic Baked Beans Recipe from Scratch for Beginners Made Perfect

easy basic baked beans recipe from scratch - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, forgiving baked beans recipe from scratch that delivers smoky, sweet, and tender beans perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups dried navy beans (about 300g)
  • 6 cups water (for soaking and cooking)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional; use turkey bacon or smoked paprika for vegetarian version)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar (dark or light)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup water or vegetable broth (240 ml)

Instructions

  1. Soak the beans: Place dried navy beans in a large bowl and cover with about 3 inches of cold water. Soak overnight or at least 8 hours. (For quick soak, boil beans for 2 minutes, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 1 hour.)
  2. Drain and rinse the soaked beans under cold running water.
  3. Cook the beans: Transfer soaked beans to a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add 6 cups fresh water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally and add water if needed to keep beans covered.
  4. Prepare aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat.
  5. Sauté onion and garlic in the same skillet until onion is translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring frequently.
  6. Combine sauce ingredients: Stir in tomato paste, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes until thick and fragrant.
  7. Add sauce to beans: Drain cooked beans, reserving 1 cup of cooking liquid. Return beans to pot, pour in sauce mixture, cooked bacon, and 1 cup reserved cooking liquid or vegetable broth. Stir gently to combine.
  8. Simmer to meld flavors: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Sauce should thicken and coat beans.
  9. Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of water. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Do not add salt before beans are tender to avoid tough skins. For richer flavor, prepare sauce a day ahead and refrigerate to let flavors meld. Vegetarian version: omit bacon and use smoked paprika plus liquid smoke. Quick soak method can be used if short on time. Stir gently to avoid breaking beans.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, homemade baked beans, navy beans recipe, easy baked beans, scratch baked beans, comfort food, barbecue side dish

Find it online: https://milacook.com/easy-basic-baked-beans-recipe-from-scratch-for-beginners-made-perfect/