Baked beans are a classic comfort food that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. This recipe combines the rich, sweet taste of brown sugar and molasses with the savory goodness of navy beans. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, these baked beans are sure to be a hit.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, molasses might not be something you have on hand. Molasses is a thick, dark syrup that adds a deep, rich sweetness to the dish. You can find it in the baking aisle of most supermarkets. Additionally, make sure to soak the navy beans overnight to ensure they cook properly.

Ingredients for Baked Beans Recipe
Navy beans: Small white beans that are perfect for baking due to their creamy texture.
Onion: Adds a savory depth of flavor to the beans.
Brown sugar: Provides a sweet, caramel-like taste that balances the savory elements.
Molasses: A thick, dark syrup that adds a rich, deep sweetness.
Mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the beans.
Pepper: Adds a hint of heat and complexity.
Water: Helps to cook the beans and blend the flavors together.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing navy beans, ensure they are soaked overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture. For a richer flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water. When combining the onion, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, salt, and pepper in the baking dish, mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors. Stirring occasionally during baking helps to prevent the beans from sticking to the dish and ensures even cooking.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
navy beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a suitable replacement.
chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor, which can enhance the dish.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, complex sweetness that complements the other ingredients well.
molasses - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a different kind of sweetness and a slightly floral note, which can add depth to the flavor profile.
mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard has a smoother texture and a more refined taste, which can elevate the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor along with the saltiness, enhancing the overall taste.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and a different kind of spiciness, which can make the dish more interesting.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds additional flavor and depth to the beans, making the dish more savory.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This
How to Store / Freeze Your Beans
- Allow the baked beans to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy beans.
- Transfer the baked beans to an airtight container. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal, but high-quality plastic containers work as well.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the baked beans within 3-5 days. The cool temperature will keep the beans fresh and flavorful.
- For longer storage, place the baked beans in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to leave some space at the top, as the beans will expand when frozen.
- Label the container or bag with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the baked beans have been stored.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the baked beans in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
- Reheat the baked beans gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of water or vegetable broth if the beans seem too thick.
- Alternatively, reheat the baked beans in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme when reheating.
- Enjoy your baked beans as a side dish, or get creative by incorporating them into other recipes like bean salads, soups, or even baked bean casseroles.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method: Place your baked beans in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them from drying out. Stir occasionally until they are heated through, typically about 5-10 minutes.
Microwave Method: Transfer the baked beans to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baked beans in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are thoroughly heated.
Slow Cooker Method: If you have a bit more time, transfer the baked beans to a slow cooker. Set it on low and let them heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is great for maintaining the beans' texture and flavor.
Double Boiler Method: For a gentle reheating, place the baked beans in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir occasionally until the beans are heated through, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Baking dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used to combine and bake the beans and other ingredients.
Aluminum foil: Used to cover the baking dish to retain moisture and ensure even cooking.
Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) to bake the beans.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the beans, brown sugar, molasses, and water accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the mustard, salt, and pepper precisely.
Mixing spoon: Used to stir the ingredients together in the baking dish.
Knife: Used to chop the onion.
Cutting board: A surface to safely chop the onion.
Timer: To keep track of the baking time and remind you to stir occasionally.
Oven mitts: Used to safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-soak beans: Soak navy beans overnight to reduce cooking time.
Chop in advance: Chop the onion ahead of time and store in the fridge.
Use canned beans: Substitute soaked beans with canned navy beans to skip soaking.
Batch cook: Make a larger batch and freeze portions for future meals.
Quick stir: Stir the baked beans occasionally to ensure even cooking and save time later.

Baked Beans Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Navy Beans soaked overnight
- 1 cup Onion chopped
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Molasses
- 2 tablespoon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
- 4 cups Water
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2. In a baking dish, combine all the ingredients.
- 3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- 5. Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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