Savor the comforting, homemade goodness of our Heart-Healthy Classic Baked Beans, a nutritious twist on a timeless favorite. This recipe combines tender navy beans with a rich, tangy sauce made from unsweetened tomato sauce, low-sodium vegetable broth, and a touch of molasses for natural sweetness. Infused with the smoky warmth of paprika, the zesty kick of Dijon mustard, and the deep flavor of apple cider vinegar, these baked beans are slow-cooked to perfection, creating a thick, flavorful coating thatβs both satisfying and wholesome. Prepared without added sugar and with a focus on heart health, this dish is perfect as a nutrient-rich side or a vegetarian main course. Great for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, these baked beans prove that comfort food can be both delicious and nourishing.
Rinse and sort the dry navy beans, discarding any debris. Place them in a large bowl, cover with three cups of water, and allow to soak overnight.
Drain and rinse the beans. In a large pot, combine the soaked beans and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 45 minutes until beans are just tender. Drain and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 300Β°F (150Β°C).
In a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add tomato sauce, vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, molasses, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
Add the pre-cooked beans to the skillet, stir to fully coat the beans with the sauce.
Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Bake for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, then remove the lid or foil.
Continue baking the beans uncovered for 30 more minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Remove from oven, discard bay leaf, and let cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your heart-healthy classic baked beans as a delicious side or main dish!
Calories |
923 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.4 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.0 g | 15% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 582 mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 154.4 g | 56% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.3 g | 105% | |
| Total Sugars | 48.4 g | ||
| Protein | 37.5 g | 75% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 455 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 12.6 mg | 70% | |
| Potassium | 3843 mg | 82% | |
*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.