Easy Baked Beans

Easy Baked Beans are a classic for a reason – they're the perfect BBQ and cookout side dish. Sweet, savory, and simple to make, these beans are always a hit at any gathering, seamlessly complementing everything from burgers to ribs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

Oven-Safe Skillet or Dutch Oven

Ingredients

2 (15 oz) cans navy beans drained and rinsed
8 slices bacon chopped (substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option)
1 medium yellow onion finely diced
1 green bell pepper diced
3 cloves garlic minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
1/3 cup molasses substitute maple syrup for a different flavor profile
1/4 cup brown sugar packed (coconut sugar works well as an alternative)
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
salt to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it begins to crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the bacon and fat in the pan. Sauté until the onions become translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the drained and rinsed beans to the pan. In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Pour this sauce over the beans and gently stir to combine, ensuring each bean is coated in the flavorful mixture.
Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the top has slightly caramelized.

Notes

These beans actually improve with time as flavors continue to develop. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 9gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 7gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2.5mg

Keyword Baked Beans, BBQ Side Dish, Easy Baked Beans, Cookout Recipe