Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans

Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans are a classic comfort food that’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a cozy dinner. This recipe combines tender beans with a sweet and smoky flavor profile, thanks to the richness of brown sugar and the savory goodness of bacon. The beans are slowly baked to perfection, creating a rich, hearty dish that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients

4 strips bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) navy beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/4 cup molasses
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Bacon:

In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the finely chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

Combine the Beans and Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the navy beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans. Add the cooked onion and garlic, along with the cooked bacon.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika (if using), black pepper, and salt.

Mix and Bake:

Pour the sauce over the beans and mix well to combine.
Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish. Add 1/2 cup of water to the dish and stir to combine.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

Finish Baking:

After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and the sauce has thickened.

Serve:

Allow the baked beans to cool slightly before serving. They are delicious on their own or as a hearty side dish.

Tips for Perfect Baked Beans

Bean Varieties: You can use any combination of beans you prefer or have on hand. The mix of navy, pinto, and kidney beans provides a nice variety of textures and flavors.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your beans less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar and molasses. Taste the sauce before baking to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Make Ahead: Baked beans can be prepared a day in advance. Let them cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Adding Heat: If you like a little kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans are a savory, sweet, and satisfying dish that adds a delicious twist to any meal. The combination of smoky bacon, rich brown sugar, and tender beans creates a comforting side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them as a hearty side, these baked beans are sure to be a favorite.