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!
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.
Calories |
508 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.7 g | 12% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.7 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 18 mg | 6% | |
| Sodium | 1606 mg | 70% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 92.4 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.5 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.3 g | ||
| Protein | 19.2 g | 38% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 209 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 5.9 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 1245 mg | 26% | |
*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.