Baked Beans

Homemade Baked Beans

Ingredients:

2 (15 oz) cans of navy beans (or pinto/great northern beans), drained and rinsed

6 slices bacon, chopped

1 small onion, diced

½ cup ketchup

¼ cup brown sugar

¼ cup molasses (or maple syrup)

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp yellow mustard (or Dijon)

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp salt

½ cup water (or beef broth for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tbsp of bacon grease in the pan.

3. Add diced onion to the pan and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

5. In a greased baking dish (or cast-iron skillet), mix the beans, cooked onion, and sauce together. Stir in bacon and add water/broth to loosen the mixture.

6. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, stir, and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until thickened.

7. Let sit for a few minutes before serving.

These beans are sweet, smoky, and full of flavor! Perfect as a side for BBQ, grilled meats, or a potluck dish. Want them extra thick? Bake a little longer or simmer on the stovetop.