Print

Savory Baked Beans with Brown Sugar and Bacon

savory baked beans - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and flavorful baked beans recipe combining the sweetness of brown sugar with crispy bacon, perfect for weeknight dinners or cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
  • ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ cup (120 ml) water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy but not burnt, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen flavor. Mix in brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to form a sticky sauce.
  5. Add the drained and rinsed beans to the skillet or transfer everything to a baking dish. Stir gently to coat beans evenly with the sauce. Add up to ½ cup water or broth if the sauce is too thick.
  6. Fold the crispy bacon bits into the beans, reserving a few pieces for garnish.
  7. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish if not already in one. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and caramelized around the edges. Stir halfway through baking. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  8. Remove from oven, sprinkle reserved bacon on top, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for best texture. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and starch. Stir halfway through baking for even sauce distribution. For thicker sauce, bake longer or mash some beans. Variations include vegetarian swaps with smoked paprika and vegan Worcestershire sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, brown sugar, bacon, savory beans, easy baked beans, comfort food, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/savory-baked-beans-with-brown-sugar-and-bacon-easy-homemade-recipe/