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The Best Baked Beans

The Best Baked Beans
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The Best Baked Beans recipe combines smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in a comforting and hearty dish perfect as a side for BBQs or a cozy dinner. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it offers rich homestyle goodness and versatility to suit any taste or occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups Great Northern Beans (soaked overnight or canned rinsed)
  • 6 slices Bacon or 12 oz Smoked Sausage, chopped
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Yellow Mustard
  • 1 medium Onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans: Start by soaking your Great Northern beans overnight or use canned beans for a quicker version. If using dried beans, rinse and boil them until tender but not mushy.
  2. Cook the Aromatics and Meat: In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon or smoked sausage over medium heat until crispy and fat is rendered. Remove and set aside, then sauté finely diced onion and garlic in the same skillet until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Mix the Sauce: Combine tomato sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until evenly blended to create a rich, tangy-sweet sauce.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Add cooked beans, sautéed aromatics, and crispy meat to a large pot or slow cooker. Pour the sauce over and stir gently. Let simmer on low heat for at least one hour, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
  5. Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more brown sugar for sweetness or extra vinegar for brightness. Allow to rest covered off heat for 20 minutes before serving to thicken.

Notes

  • Use quality fresh or well-preserved beans for best texture and flavor.
  • Soak dried beans overnight to ensure even cooking and reduce cooking time.
  • Simmer slowly and gently to avoid beans splitting and mushiness.
  • Add sauce gradually to control consistency and avoid overwhelming the beans.
  • Allow baked beans to rest covered off heat for 20 minutes before serving for ideal consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, BBQ side, comfort food, Great Northern beans, smoky baked beans

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/the-best-baked-beans/