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Comforting Baked Beans Recipe with Brown Sugar and Crispy Bacon Made Easy

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A rich, sweet, and smoky baked beans recipe featuring brown sugar and crispy bacon, perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried navy beans or 3 (15 oz) cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup water or chicken/vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. If using dried beans: Rinse 2 cups dried navy beans thoroughly. Place them in a large bowl, cover with cold water by 2 inches, and soak overnight (8-12 hours). Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  3. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy and golden, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  4. Sauté the finely chopped onion in the bacon fat for 5-7 minutes until translucent and starting to caramelize. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until smooth.
  6. If using dried beans, place soaked and drained beans in an oven-safe dish or Dutch oven. Pour in the sauce mixture and add 1 cup water or broth. Stir in the sautéed onions, garlic, and crispy bacon (reserve a few bacon pieces for topping). If using canned beans, combine all ingredients in the Dutch oven and stir gently.
  7. Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the lid and bake uncovered for another 20-30 minutes to thicken and caramelize the sauce. Add a splash of water if the beans dry out.
  8. Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon over the top before serving.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for best flavor and texture. Soaking dried beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility. Stir halfway through baking to prevent sticking and distribute bacon evenly. Add water if beans dry out during baking. Leftovers taste better the next day.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/comforting-baked-beans-recipe-with-brown-sugar-and-crispy-bacon-made-easy/