Old Fashioned Baked Beans

These Old Fashioned Baked Beans are thick, sweet, smoky, and slow-cooked to perfection—just like Grandma used to make. This comforting dish is perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and hearty family meals. Made entirely from scratch with dried navy beans, bacon, molasses, and brown sugar, they offer a rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and sandwiches.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Beans
• For the Sauce
• Seasoning
• Other
• How to Make Old Fashioned Baked Beans
• Step 1: Soak and Boil Beans
• Step 2: Prepare the Base
• Step 3: Add Sauce Ingredients
• Step 4: Add Beans and Liquid
• Step 5: Bake
• Step 6: Finish and Serve
• How to Serve Old Fashioned Baked Beans
• As a BBQ Side Dish
• In a Casserole
• With Vegetables
• As Leftovers
• How to Perfect Old Fashioned Baked Beans
• Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Baked Beans
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Old Fashioned Baked Beans
• Reheating Old Fashioned Baked Beans
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Old Fashioned Baked Beans vegetarian?
• Can I use different types of beans?
• What dishes pair well with Old Fashioned Baked Beans?
• How do I thicken my baked beans?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Homemade Flavor: Nothing beats the taste of beans made from scratch with quality ingredients.
• Versatile Side Dish: Great for any occasion—whether it’s a summer cookout or a cozy family dinner.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can create a delicious dish without fuss.
• Slow-Cooked Goodness: The long baking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully for mouthwatering results.
• Nutrient-Packed: Navy beans are high in fiber and protein, making this dish as healthy as it is tasty.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Old Fashioned Baked Beans, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Perfect for slow cooking; it retains heat well and allows for even cooking.
• Large pot: Ideal for soaking and boiling beans efficiently.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures precise cuts for ingredients like onion and garlic.

Ingredients

For the Beans

• 1 pound dried navy beans
• 8 oz thick-cut bacon, diced

For the Sauce

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup plain tomato sauce or ketchup
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Seasoning

• 2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Other

• 1 bay leaf

How to Make Old Fashioned Baked Beans

Step 1: Soak and Boil Beans

Start by placing the navy beans in a large pot. Cover them with water by several inches. Soak overnight (8–12 hours). After soaking:
1. Drain the beans.
2. Refill the pot with fresh water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
4. Drain the beans again but reserve at least 1½ cups of the cooking liquid.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

In a Dutch oven:
1. Fry the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crisp.
2. Add the chopped onion; cook for about 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic; cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Add Sauce Ingredients

In the same Dutch oven:
1. Stir in tomato sauce (or ketchup), molasses, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.

Step 4: Add Beans and Liquid

Add pre-cooked beans into the Dutch oven along with 1½ cups of reserved bean cooking liquid:
1. Stir to combine all ingredients.
2. Bring to a simmer for about 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C):
1. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and bake for 2 to 3 hours.
2. Remove the lid during the last 20–30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
3. Stir occasionally and add more reserved liquid if needed to prevent dryness.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

When done:
1. Discard the bay leaf.
2. Taste your baked beans; adjust seasoning as needed by adding more salt or pepper.
3. Serve hot or let cool before refrigerating until you’re ready to reheat.

For those who prefer using a slow cooker:
Follow steps 1 and 2 before transferring everything into a slow cooker:
– Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
– Leave the lid off during the final 30+ minutes to thicken up your sauce.

Enjoy your homemade Old Fashioned Baked Beans!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Baked Beans

Old Fashioned Baked Beans make a hearty side dish that pairs well with various meals. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or enjoying a family dinner, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

As a BBQ Side Dish

• Grilled meats: Complement your baked beans with smoky ribs or grilled chicken for a classic BBQ experience.
• Cornbread: Serve alongside warm cornbread to soak up the rich sauce and add a sweet contrast.

In a Casserole

• Layered casserole: Mix baked beans with ground beef, top with cheese, and bake for a hearty one-dish meal.
• Bean dip: Spread baked beans on tortilla chips for a delicious twist on classic nachos.

With Vegetables

• Coleslaw: The crispness of coleslaw balances the sweetness of the beans, making it an excellent side.
• Grilled corn on the cob: The charred flavor of grilled corn complements the savory-sweet profile of the beans.

As Leftovers

• Breakfast burritos: Use leftover baked beans in breakfast burritos with eggs and cheese for a filling morning meal.
• Pasta salad: Mix cold baked beans into pasta salad for added protein and flavor.

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How to Perfect Old Fashioned Baked Beans

To ensure your Old Fashioned Baked Beans turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Soak beans overnight: This softens the beans and reduces cooking time, resulting in tender beans.
• Use quality bacon: A good-quality bacon enhances the smoky flavor, making your dish more savory.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste the sauce before baking; feel free to adjust the brown sugar and molasses to your preference.
• Don’t rush the baking process: Slow baking at low temperatures allows flavors to develop richly; be patient!
• Stir occasionally: Stirring prevents sticking and helps distribute flavors evenly throughout the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Baked Beans

Baked beans are versatile and can enhance many meals. Here are some great side dishes that pair beautifully with Old Fashioned Baked Beans.

1. Grilled Sausages: Juicy grilled sausages bring a savory kick that pairs well with sweet baked beans.
2. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad provides a refreshing contrast to the thick texture of baked beans.
3. Macaroni and Cheese: Rich, cheesy mac and cheese creates a comforting combination when served with baked beans.
4. Fried Green Tomatoes: The tartness of fried green tomatoes adds an exciting crunch to your meal.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color and health benefits while complementing the flavors of baked beans.
6. Corn Pudding: Sweet corn pudding offers a delightful sweet-and-savory balance alongside hearty baked beans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your experience with this recipe. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the soak: Not soaking the beans overnight can lead to tough, undercooked beans. Always soak them for 8–12 hours for optimal texture.
• Overcooking bacon: Cooking bacon too long can make it overly crispy and hard. Fry it just until it’s crisp but still tender for the best flavor.
• Ignoring seasoning: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning can result in bland beans. Always sample before serving and modify as needed.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Poor-quality molasses or canned tomato sauce can dull flavors. Choose high-quality products for rich, satisfying results.
• Not monitoring cooking time: Leaving beans in the oven for too long can dry them out. Check on them periodically to maintain a perfect consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Old Fashioned Baked Beans in an airtight container.
• They will last for about 3–5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Old Fashioned Baked Beans

• To freeze, place cooled beans in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Old Fashioned Baked Beans

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Old Fashioned Baked Beans vegetarian?

You can substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or liquid smoke for that desired flavor without meat.

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes! While navy beans are traditional, you can try pinto or kidney beans. Just note that cooking times may vary.

What dishes pair well with Old Fashioned Baked Beans?

They complement BBQ meats, grilled vegetables, or cornbread perfectly, making them an ideal side dish.

How do I thicken my baked beans?

If your beans seem too watery after baking, let them bake uncovered longer or stir in a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.

Final Thoughts

Old Fashioned Baked Beans are not just comforting; they’re also highly versatile. This dish is perfect for any gathering, from BBQs to family dinners. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite spices or vegetables to make it truly your own!