The Best Saucy Baked Beans
10 Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hr 15 min
Total Time: 1 Hr 50 min
Adopted from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Not just a summertime staple, these baked beans are warm, full of flavor and so easy to make!
Ingredients
6 slices bacon or ham hock, diced (optional)
1 cup small diced onion
3 cups pinto beans
3 cups navy beans
¾ cup ketchup (we like an organic, all natural version!)
⅓ cup brown sugar (coconut sugar or maple syrup work as well)
¼ cup molasses
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or substitute for liquid aminos!)
1 tablespoon dijon or yellow mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon (or ham hock) and onion until the bacon is cooked through and starting to crisp and the onions are translucent, 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
If you’re working with dried beans, let them soak in water overnight and then drain + rinse well. For detailed instructions on preparing and cooking your dried beans, visit our blog post here.
Add your overnight soaked beans to a large pot, cover them with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and let simmer until beans are tender but firm.
Once your beans are cooked, stir in the ketchup, brown sugar (or coconut sugar / maple syrup), molasses, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce (or liquid aminos), mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Oven Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Transfer the baked beans to an oven-safe 9X13-inch dish and cover with foil. Bake for 1 hour. Uncover and bake for 15-20 more minutes until bubbling. Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes. They'll thicken up more as they cool slightly. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Slow Cooker Directions: Transfer the beans to the insert of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until bubbling and slightly thickened. They'll thicken up more as they cool slightly. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
