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Kansas Baked Beans Recipe Easy Homemade Cozy Comfort Food Delight

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A hearty and comforting baked beans recipe featuring navy beans slow-baked in a rich, smoky, sweet, and tangy sauce with molasses, mustard, and bacon. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy solo meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound navy beans (or Great Northern beans), soaked overnight or quick-soaked
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped (or smoked paprika for vegetarian)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup molasses (60 ml), unsulphured
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (120 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • About 3 cups water or homemade broth (720 ml) to cover and cook the beans

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound navy beans and soak them overnight in plenty of cold water. For quick soak, cover beans with water, bring to boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour.
  2. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  3. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook 4 chopped bacon slices until crispy, about 6 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pot.
  4. Add 1 medium chopped onion to the pot and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  5. Drain soaked beans and add them to the pot. Pour in about 3 cups (720 ml) water or broth, enough to cover the beans by an inch.
  6. Stir in 1/4 cup molasses, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional). Season with salt and pepper lightly.
  7. Heat the mixture on the stovetop until just simmering, about 5 minutes.
  8. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 30 minutes. Check halfway through and gently stir to prevent sticking. Add more water if beans look too dry.
  9. After baking, taste and adjust seasoning. For thicker sauce, uncover and bake 10-15 minutes more. Stir crispy bacon back in before serving.

Notes

Soaking beans reduces cooking time and gas effects. Bake low and slow at 325°F to avoid mushy beans. Stir gently to keep beans intact. Adjust liquid levels during baking to keep sauce saucy but not soupy. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add liquid smoke and smoked paprika. Beans taste better the next day after flavors develop. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, Kansas baked beans, comfort food, navy beans, slow baked beans, homemade baked beans, easy baked beans, smoky baked beans

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/kansas-baked-beans-recipe-easy-homemade-cozy-comfort-food-delight/