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Best Easy Baked Beans Recipe

Name: Best Easy Baked Beans Recipe
Total time: 135 min
Yield: 250 g
Ingredients: Navy beans, dried 2 cups; Yellow onion, diced 1 cup; Green bell pepper, diced 0.5 cup; Water 4 cups; Molasses 0.25 cup; Brown sugar 0.25 cup; Ketchup 0.33 cup; Dijon mustard 1 tbsp; Apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp; Smoked paprika 1 tsp; Salt 1.5 tsp; Black pepper 0.5 tsp

Sweet, smoky baked beans slow-cooked with molasses and spices are a hearty, family-style BBQ side dish. This classic vegetarian-adaptable staple is a beloved addition to any cookout spread.

Cook 135 min Difficulty NORMAL 295 kcal

#vegetarian #mediterranean

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

Navy beans, dried 2 cups
Yellow onion, diced 1 cup
Green bell pepper, diced 0.5 cup
Water 4 cups

Seasonings/Sauce

Molasses 0.25 cup
Brown sugar 0.25 cup
Ketchup 0.33 cup
Dijon mustard 1 tbsp
Apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp
Smoked paprika 1 tsp
Salt 1.5 tsp
Black pepper 0.5 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 53 g 72%

Protein 11 g 15%

Fat 3 g 13%

Serving size 250g

Cooking steps

1

Rinse and soak 2 cups of dried navy beans overnight in cold water to ensure even cooking and proper tenderness.
2

Drain and transfer soaked beans to a large pot. Add 4 cups fresh water, bring to a boil, then lower to gentle simmer, skimming any foam, and cook uncovered for 45 minutes until just tender.
3

Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a Dutch oven or heavy casserole, layer the cooked beans, 1 cup diced onion, and 1/2 cup diced green pepper.
4

In a bowl, mix molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour this sauce evenly over the bean mixture and gently stir to coat without breaking the beans.
5

Cover the Dutch oven and bake for 2 hours. Uncover and bake an additional 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing sauce to thicken and develop deep flavor. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the most important ingredient for authentic baked beans flavor?

Molasses is the key seasoning in this recipe, imparting deep sweetness and distinctive smoky richness that defines classic baked beans. The combination of molasses with brown sugar and smoked paprika creates a balance of sweet and savory flavors essential to this BBQ staple.

Q. Are there any heat or timing tips for perfectly cooked baked beans?

Yes—the beans are simmered gently until just tender before baking. Oven slow-baking at 325°F for over 2 hours allows flavors to meld and sauce to concentrate. Uncovering for the last 30–45 minutes thickens the sauce without drying the beans, so be sure to monitor and stir gently to avoid scorching.

Q. How do I prevent baked beans from turning mushy or dry?

Soaking beans overnight and simmering gently before baking prevents split or mushy beans. During baking, stir occasionally and check moisture; if beans seem dry, add a splash of water. The final texture should be saucy, not soupy, with beans holding their shape.

Q. What are the nutrition stats per serving for these baked beans?

Each 250g serving contains about 295 kcal, 53g carbohydrates (72% of calories), 11g protein (15%), and 3g fat (13%). This makes the dish hearty yet moderate in fat, with a good boost of plant-based protein.

Best Easy Baked Beans Recipe

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