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Savory BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar

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A flavorful side dish featuring smoky bacon, sweet brown sugar, and tangy BBQ sauce, perfect for BBQ meals and potlucks. This recipe balances smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors with tender beans in a rich, sticky sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) dried navy beans or 4 cups cooked canned navy beans
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) molasses
  • 1 cup (240ml) ketchup
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (480ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans: Rinse 1 lb navy beans under cold water, removing debris. Soak overnight or quick soak by boiling for 2 minutes, then let sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.
  2. Cook the Beans: Place soaked beans in a large pot, cover with fresh water about 2 inches above beans, and simmer gently for 60-75 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain, reserving 2 cups of cooking liquid.
  3. Cook Bacon and Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook slowly until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving fat in pan.
  4. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet with bacon fat, cook chopped onion for 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well.
  6. Mix Beans and Sauce: Transfer cooked beans to a large bowl or Dutch oven. Add sautéed onion, garlic, crispy bacon, and sauce mixture. Pour in reserved bean liquid or chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Bake the Beans: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Pour bean mixture into an oven-safe dish if not using Dutch oven. Bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring halfway through until sauce is thick and bubbly.
  8. Final Taste Check: Remove from oven, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If sauce thickens too much during baking, add a splash of water or broth. For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Slow cooker adaptation possible by cooking on low for 4-6 hours after combining ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ baked beans, bacon baked beans, brown sugar baked beans, savory baked beans, BBQ side dish, potluck recipe, smoky baked beans

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