Simple Country Baked Beans

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Simple Country Baked Beans recipe! This hearty and flavorful meal features tender navy beans infused with savory bacon, sweet ketchup, and a blend of spices that create a deliciously rich sauce. Perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or cozy nights in, these baked beans are easy to make and can be customized to your taste. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal with this delightful dish!

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Ingredients

2 cups of dried navy beans

4 cups of water (for soaking beans)

4 slices of bacon, chopped

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a touch of smokiness)

Instructions

Soak the Beans: Place the dried navy beans in a large bowl, cover with 4 cups of water, and soak overnight. If short on time, use a quick soak method by boiling the beans for 2 minutes, then letting them sit for an hour before draining.

Prepare the Bacon: In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.

Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients: Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then add them to the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce (if using), black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Mix well to combine.

Bake the Beans: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Pour enough water into the pot to just cover the beans (about 2 cups). Bring to a boil on the stovetop, then cover with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven.

Cook: Bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours, checking occasionally and adding more water if necessary, until the beans are tender and the sauce is thickened.

Finish and Serve: In the last 15 minutes of baking, stir the reserved crispy bacon back into the beans. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 3 hrs | Servings: 6-8

- Presentation Tips: Serve the baked beans in a rustic ceramic bowl or individual ramekins, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Pair with cornbread and a side of coleslaw for a complete country meal!