Sweet, smoky, and irresistibly savory, these Brown Sugar Baked Beans are the ultimate comfort food side dish. Featuring tender navy beans simmered in a rich, caramelized sauce of brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, and Dijon mustard, this recipe delivers a delicious balance of sweetness and tanginess. Crisp bacon and the subtle heat of smoked paprika take each bite to new levels of flavor, while a slow oven bake ensures the sauce thickens to perfection. Ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or a hearty weeknight meal, these baked beans are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Serve them warm for a crowd-pleasing dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats and fresh cornbread. Keywords: brown sugar baked beans, homemade baked beans, smoky baked beans recipe, BBQ side dish, potluck favorite.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pan.
Add the finely diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and water. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add the drained and rinsed navy beans to the skillet, along with the cooked bacon pieces. Stir until the beans are well coated in the sauce.
If using a Dutch oven or oven-safe skillet, transfer it directly to the preheated oven. If using a regular pot, transfer the mixture to a large baking dish.
Cover the dish or skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 90 minutes. After 90 minutes, remove the lid or foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Calories |
1724 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.1 g | 60% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.3 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 99 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 5920 mg | 257% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 265.3 g | 96% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 36.4 g | 130% | |
| Total Sugars | 147.0 g | ||
| Protein | 68.7 g | 137% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 518 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 14.9 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 3681 mg | 78% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.