The Best Homemade Baked Beans Dishes Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade baked beans recipe is a game-changer, bringing comfort food to your table with minimal effort. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and the rich, smoky flavor beats anything from a can.
- Budget-friendly ingredients – Pantry staples like beans, tomato sauce, and spices keep costs low without skimping on taste.
- Customizable sweetness – Adjust the brown sugar or maple syrup to your liking, making it as sweet or savory as you prefer.
- Perfect for meal prep – These beans taste even better the next day, so leftovers are a bonus, not an afterthought.
Recipe
Homemade baked beans are a classic comfort food that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any meal. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet dish that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
1 pound dried navy beans
6 cups water (for soaking)
6 cups water (for cooking)
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
4 slices bacon, chopped
Instructions:
- Rinse and sort the dried navy beans. Place them in a large pot with 6 cups of water and let them soak overnight.
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Return them to the pot with 6 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well.
- Add the cooked beans and crispy bacon to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Cover the pot and bake in the preheated oven for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are thick and flavorful.
Notes:
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use 2 tablespoons of olive oil instead of bacon drippings.
Equipment:
Large pot, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
Cooking time: 3 to 4 hours
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
6-8 servings
Nutrition
Homemade baked beans offer a nutritious and flavorful option for any meal. This dish is packed with essential nutrients that contribute to a balanced diet.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Potassium | 400mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade baked beans with classic sides like cornbread or coleslaw—they’re comforting and just feel right. For something a bit different, I’ve found that roasted vegetables or a tangy potato salad really make the flavors pop. It’s fun to mix and match to find your perfect combo!
Classic Side Dishes
When I’m serving up a batch of homemade baked beans, I always think about how they’re such a comforting dish that pairs perfectly with so many classic sides. I love them with crispy cornbread, its sweetness balancing the beans’ richness, or buttery mashed potatoes for extra creaminess. A simple green salad adds freshness, while coleslaw brings crunch and tang. For heartier meals, grilled sausages or smoky ribs are unbeatable. And don’t forget warm, buttered toast—it’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce. These pairings turn baked beans into a meal that feels like home.
Unique Flavor Pairings
While classic sides like cornbread and coleslaw are always a hit, baked beans can shine with unexpected partners too. I love pairing them with tangy goat cheese-topped crostini or a fresh citrus salad to balance their richness. Grilled pineapple slices add a sweet, smoky twist that’s surprisingly perfect. For a heartier option, try serving them over crispy roasted sweet potatoes—it’s a match made in flavor heaven. Even a drizzle of spicy-sweet sriracha honey can elevate their taste. These combos might sound adventurous, but trust me, they’ll make your baked beans the star of any meal.
