Description
Slow-cooked, rich, and hearty baked beans sweetened with molasses and flavored with smoky bacon.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beans:
- 2 cups dried navy beans (or 4 cups canned, drained)
- 6 cups water (for soaking)
For the Sauce:
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups water (or chicken broth)
Instructions
-
Soak the Beans (If Using Dried):
- Soak dried beans in water overnight.
- Drain and rinse before cooking.
-
Cook the Beans:
- In a large pot, cover soaked beans with fresh water.
- Simmer for 1 hour, until tender. Drain.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
-
Mix Ingredients:
- Stir in molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
- Mix well until combined.
-
Combine & Bake:
- Add the cooked beans and 2 cups water (or broth).
- Stir, cover with a lid, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
-
Final Touch:
- Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm as a side dish or on toast for a classic comfort meal.
Notes
- For extra depth, add ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar at the end.
- No bacon? Use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a vegetarian version.
- Slow Cooker Option: Cook on low for 6-8 hours instead of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Side Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Canadian, Traditional
