Oven Baked Beans for 2
Perfectly portioned for two, this Oven Baked Beans recipe is a deliciously comforting dish bursting with rich, smoky flavors. Featuring tender navy or cannellini beans enveloped in a tangy-sweet sauce made from ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, and a hint of Dijon mustard, this classic dish gets an irresistible depth from crispy bacon and sautéed onions. Smoked paprika adds a subtle, earthy smokiness, while a touch of apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness with a gentle tang. Baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet, the sauce thickens and caramelizes for a luscious, homestyle finish. Ready in just over an hour, it’s ideal as a cozy side dish or a hearty main served with crusty bread. Perfect for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or rustic brunches, this recipe is sure to become a two-person favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned navy beans (or cannellini beans)
- 2 slices bacon slices
- 0.5 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup water
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Rinse and drain the navy beans (or cannellini beans) if using canned beans, and set them aside.
In a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until they are crispy. Remove the bacon, let it cool slightly, then chop into small pieces. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and water. Stir well to make a smooth sauce.
Add the rinsed beans back into the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir in the sauce until all the beans are well-coated. Add the chopped bacon pieces and mix gently to combine.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes, stirring halfway through. The sauce should thicken and slightly caramelize by the end of the cooking time.
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy on its own with a slice of crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
272 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.3 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 9 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 706 mg | 31% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.5 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.7 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.1 g | ||
| Protein | 10.0 g | 20% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 111 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 650 mg | 14% | |
*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.
