Classic Homemade Baked Beans
These Classic Homemade Baked Beans are rich, smoky, and sweet with tender beans simmered in a flavorful sauce. They’re the perfect side dish for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove half of the bacon and set aside for garnish.
- Add the diced onion to the bacon drippings and cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Fold in the drained beans and mix gently until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish if not using an oven-safe pan.
- Bake uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the sauce is thick and bubbly.
- Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon over the top before serving.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 45–60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Tips
- For extra smoky flavor, add ½ teaspoon liquid smoke or use smoked bacon.
- Stir in diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
- If the sauce thickens too much during baking, add a splash of water or broth.
- These baked beans taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
- Serve with grilled burgers, hot dogs, ribs, pulled pork, fried chicken, cornbread, or coleslaw.