Print

Savory Baked Beans with Brown Sugar and Crispy Bacon

savory baked beans - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy baked beans recipe featuring navy beans, brown sugar, and crispy bacon for a sweet-savory comfort dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans navy beans, drained and rinsed (or great northern beans for a creamier texture)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon fat (for sautéing onions)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In your skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp but not burnt, about 7-9 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain. Leave the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Add olive oil if bacon did not render enough fat. Toss in the diced onion and cook over medium heat until translucent and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly.
  5. Stir in the drained beans, folding gently to coat with sauce and onions. Warm through for about 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Stir most of the crispy bacon into the beans, saving a handful for garnish.
  7. If using an oven-safe skillet, place it in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes to thicken the sauce and deepen flavors. If using a separate casserole dish, transfer beans there before baking.
  8. Optional: Broil the beans for 2-3 minutes for an extra caramelized finish, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Serve sprinkled with reserved crispy bacon and fresh parsley.

Notes

If beans seem dry before baking, add a splash of water or chicken broth. Avoid over-stirring to prevent beans from breaking apart. Slow-render bacon fat for best smoky flavor. Baking thickens sauce and deepens flavors but can be skipped if simmered longer on stovetop. For vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms and use olive oil instead of bacon fat.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bacon, brown sugar, savory beans, easy side dish, comfort food, quick recipe, navy beans

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/savory-baked-beans-with-brown-sugar-and-crispy-bacon-recipe-perfect-for-easy-meals/