The Best Homemade Baked Beans Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade baked beans recipe is a game-changer, bringing comfort and flavor to your table with every bite. You’ll love how simple and satisfying it is to make. It uses pantry staples, so you can whip it up anytime without a trip to the store. The balance of sweet and smoky flavors is perfect, making it a crowd-pleaser for any meal. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your taste perfectly.
Recipe
Baked beans are a classic comfort food, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This homemade version is rich, flavorful, and easy to make with simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried navy beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Instructions:
- Soak the beans overnight in water. Drain and rinse.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large pot, combine beans and 6 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour. Drain, reserving liquid.
- In a Dutch oven or baking dish, mix beans, onion, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Top with chopped bacon and pour in enough reserved liquid to cover beans.
- Cover and bake for 3–4 hours, adding more liquid if needed, until beans are tender.
Notes:
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing molasses or brown sugar.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Dutch oven or baking dish
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
- Cooking time: 4–5 hours
Cuisine: American
Serving: 6–8
Nutrition
Homemade baked beans are a nutritious dish rich in protein and fiber. They provide essential nutrients while being low in fat.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 10g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Potassium | 500mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade baked beans with grilled meats like sausages or ribs, as the smoky flavors really complement each other. A side of warm, buttery cornbread is also a must for me—it’s perfect for soaking up the rich sauce. These combinations make the meal feel hearty and complete, every single time.
Grilled Meats
When you’re firing up the grill for some smoky, flavorful meats, it’s worth thinking about the perfect sides to round out your meal. I love pairing homemade baked beans with juicy burgers, tender ribs, or zesty grilled chicken. Mastering grill techniques, like indirect heat for slow-cooked ribs or high heat for searing steaks, makes all the difference. Don’t skimp on meat seasoning—simple spices like garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper can elevate the flavor. The rich, tangy beans complement the charred, savory notes of the meat perfectly. It’s a match made in backyard BBQ heaven!
Cornbread Side
Nothing rounds out a hearty meal like a warm, buttery slice of cornbread—it’s the ultimate comfort food that pairs well with so many dishes. I love serving it alongside baked beans because it’s the perfect blend of southern comfort and sweet indulgence. The crumbly texture balances the rich, savory beans, and a drizzle of honey takes it to another level. Plus, it’s so easy to make! I always add a pinch of sugar to my recipe for that subtle sweetness. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll understand why it’s a timeless classic.
