Get ready to savor the comforting flavors of "Down Home Baked Beans," a rich and hearty side dish that's perfect for family dinners, barbecues, and potlucks. This crowd-pleasing recipe combines tender navy beans with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a luscious homemade sauce made from ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, and a touch of Dijon mustard. The smoky undertones of paprika and optional liquid smoke add irresistible depth to every bite. Baked low and slow in the oven, these beans develop a thick, flavorful sauce that clings to each morsel. Serve them warm alongside grilled meats or cornbread, and watch them disappear! With an easy prep time of just 15 minutes, this classic Southern dish is a time-tested favorite thatβs sure to steal the spotlight.
Preheat your oven to 325Β°F (165Β°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Add the diced onion to the pan and sautΓ© in the bacon fat for 4-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, liquid smoke (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Add the drained and rinsed navy beans and cooked bacon back into the skillet. Stir to coat the beans evenly with the sauce.
Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Transfer the skillet or Dutch oven to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring once halfway through, until the sauce has thickened and the beans are richly flavored.
Remove from the oven and let the baked beans sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy it as a hearty main course.
Calories |
1810 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.1 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.5 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 99 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 5834 mg | 254% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 281.7 g | 102% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 49.1 g | 175% | |
| Total Sugars | 124.9 g | ||
| Protein | 81.0 g | 162% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 585 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 17.4 mg | 97% | |
| Potassium | 4155 mg | 88% | |
*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.