Print

Cozy Baked Beans with Brown Sugar and Bacon

cozy baked beans - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting baked beans recipe featuring brown sugar and smoky bacon, perfect for cozy dinners and casual gatherings. This dish balances sweetness, smokiness, and tang for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried navy beans (or Great Northern beans), soaked overnight or quick-soaked
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped (thick-cut preferred)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (dark brown sugar recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons mustard (Dijon or yellow)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Soak the beans overnight in cold water covering by at least 2 inches, or quick-soak by boiling for 5 minutes then letting sit covered for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Cook the chopped bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  3. Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning.
  4. Stir in the soaked beans, water or broth, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
  5. Add brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover with lid tilted and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Add water if beans are too firm.
  7. Stir the cooked bacon back into the beans and simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
  8. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or vinegar as desired. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If sauce is too thin at the end, mash a few beans against the pot side to thicken naturally. Keep heat low to prevent burning. For vegetarian version, replace bacon with smoked tempeh and use vegetable broth. Add cayenne pepper for heat if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, brown sugar, bacon, comfort food, easy recipe, navy beans, smoky, sweet and savory

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/cozy-baked-beans-with-brown-sugar-and-bacon-easy-recipe-for-perfect-comfort-food/