Indulge in the rich flavors of Western-Style Baked Beans with this easy and delicious recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection, these beans combine smoky bacon, tender beans, and a tangy sauce for a hearty and comforting dish. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a side dish for any meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry navy beans
- 8 cups water
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound bacon, diced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Rinse the navy beans and place them in a large pot. Cover with water and let soak overnight. Drain and rinse the beans before proceeding.
- In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Return the cooked bacon to the pot with the onion and garlic. Add the drained navy beans and the sauce mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from the oven and let the beans cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot as a side dish or as a main course with cornbread.
Interesting Facts
Baked beans are a traditional American dish dating back to the Native Americans, who slow-cooked beans with animal fat and maple syrup.
This recipe uses navy beans, which are small white beans that become soft and creamy when cooked.
The addition of bacon adds a smoky flavor and richness to the dish.
Molasses, a byproduct of sugar production, adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.