Print

Cozy Baked Beans with Brown Sugar and Bacon

cozy baked beans - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting baked beans recipe featuring navy beans, smoky bacon, and sweet brown sugar, perfect for cozy gatherings and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans navy beans (15 oz / 425 g each), drained and rinsed
  • 6 slices thick-cut smoked bacon
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar (65 g)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup water or broth (60 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a cold skillet and turn heat to medium. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally until crispy. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. In the reserved bacon fat, sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat for 5 minutes until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. Drain and rinse the navy beans and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  5. Add the sautéed onion and garlic, chopped bacon, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, water or broth, black pepper, and salt to the beans. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine.
  6. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish and spread evenly.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the sauce thickens and bubbles. Check at 45 minutes and add a splash of water if the top is drying out.
  8. Remove from oven, stir gently to incorporate any browned bits, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Optional: For extra caramelized crisp, broil for 2-3 minutes watching closely to avoid burning.

Notes

Start bacon in a cold pan to render fat slowly for best flavor and texture. Rinse canned beans to reduce salt and canned taste. Apple cider vinegar brightens the dish and balances sweetness. Optional broiling adds a caramelized crust. Can substitute turkey bacon or use smoked tempeh and liquid smoke for vegetarian version.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, comfort food, bacon, brown sugar, easy recipe, navy beans, cozy meal, side dish

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/cozy-baked-beans-with-brown-sugar-and-bacon-easy-recipe-for-comfort-food-fans/