Baked beans are the quintessential comfort food, offering a delightful mix of hearty flavors and smooth textures. This recipe brings together tender beans simmered in a rich, tangy sauce, making it a perfect side for barbecues or a satisfying main dish. With easy-to-follow steps and accessible ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Let’s dive into this classic baked beans recipe that will surely become a family favorite!
Ingredients
– 2 cups navy beans (soaked overnight)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons molasses
– 1 teaspoon mustard powder
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups water
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 2 hours.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately:
– Calories: 200
– Protein: 10g
– Carbohydrates: 35g
– Fat: 1g
– Fiber: 8g
This nutritional information is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
3. In a large pot, sauté the diced onion until translucent.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard powder, black pepper, and salt.
6. Add the rinsed beans and mix well.
7. Pour in 4 cups of water and stir to combine.
8. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
10. Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes for a thicker sauce.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute navy beans with pinto or black beans for a different flavor. Additionally, maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a natural sweetness, and smoked paprika can be added for a smoky flavor.
Serving and Pairings
Baked beans are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with grilled meats, cornbread, or a fresh salad. They also make a great filling for tacos or a hearty component in a vegetarian meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave. Baked beans can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not soaking the beans long enough can lead to uneven cooking.
- Using too much liquid can make the dish watery.
- Forgetting to stir the beans while baking may cause them to dry out.
- Overcooking can lead to mushy beans.
- Using low-quality canned ingredients may affect the flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with spices like cumin or chili powder for added flavor.
- Try adding diced bell peppers for extra texture.
- Let the beans sit overnight after cooking for improved flavor.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste; add more sugar if preferred.
FAQs
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned beans for a quicker preparation. Just adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking them.
How do I know if the beans are cooked?
The beans should be tender but not mushy. You can test them by tasting a few during cooking.
Can I make baked beans in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day ahead and simply reheat before serving.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding bacon, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce for additional depth of flavor.
How do I thicken my baked beans?
If your beans are too watery, simmer them uncovered for a while to reduce the liquid or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.
Conclusion
Baked beans are a classic dish that is both comforting and easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious meal that brings warmth to any dining table. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make this recipe your own!
Baked Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups navy beans soaked overnight
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
- In a large pot, sauté the diced onion until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Add the rinsed beans and mix well.
- Pour in 4 cups of water and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes for a thicker sauce.
