Perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or any gathering, this "Pan Baked Beans for a Crowd" recipe is a hearty, flavor-packed side dish that everyone will love. Featuring tender navy beans infused with a smoky, savory-sweet sauce made from ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, and Dijon mustard, this dish is elevated with the richness of crispy bacon and sautéed onions. The one-pan preparation ensures easy cleanup, while baking the beans in the oven allows the flavors to meld into a luscious, irresistible blend. Ready in just over an hour and serving up to 12 people, these baked beans are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large oven-safe pan or skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan.
Add the diced onion to the pan with the bacon grease and sauté over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
Add the drained and rinsed navy beans to the pan with the cooked onions and garlic. Pour the sauce over the beans and stir gently to combine.
If the mixture looks too thick, add up to 1/2 cup of water to adjust the consistency.
Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the bean mixture in the pan.
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and slightly thickened.
Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Stir gently before spooning onto plates or into bowls.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Calories |
1770 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.4 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.6 g | 58% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 95 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 5954 mg | 259% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 323.7 g | 118% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.5 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 287.2 g | ||
| Protein | 36.4 g | 73% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 418 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 8.4 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 2486 mg | 53% | |
*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.