Homemade baked beans are a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a cozy family dinner, or just craving a comforting side dish, this recipe is sure to please. Made with simple ingredients and packed with flavor, these baked beans are sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients for Homemade Baked Beans
- 1 pound dried navy beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
How to Make Homemade Baked Beans
- Prepare the Beans:
- Rinse the navy beans under cold water and remove any debris. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Let them soak overnight.
- Cook the Beans:
- Drain the soaked beans and place them in a large pot. Add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, combine the onion, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine the Beans and Sauce:
- Add the cooked beans, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, and chicken or vegetable broth to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
- Bake the Beans:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Transfer the bean mixture to a large baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve the Baked Beans:
- Remove the foil from the baking dish and let the beans cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a side dish or as a main course.
About the Main Ingredients
Navy Beans:
Navy beans are small, white beans that are perfect for baked bean recipes. They have a mild flavor and creamy texture when cooked.
Molasses:
Molasses adds a rich, sweet flavor to the baked beans. It also helps to thicken the sauce and give it a deep, caramel color.
Brown Sugar:
Brown sugar adds sweetness to the baked beans and helps to balance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Spices:
A blend of spices including mustard, garlic powder, paprika, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper adds complexity and depth of flavor to the baked beans.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy flavor to the baked beans and helps to balance the sweetness of the molasses and brown sugar.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth:
Chicken or vegetable broth adds depth of flavor to the baked beans and helps to keep them moist during baking.
Homemade baked beans are a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Serve them at your next gathering or enjoy them as a hearty side dish any time of year.
