Print

Cowboy Baked Beans Recipe Easy Bacon Jalapeño Molasses Flavor

cowboy baked beans recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A hearty and flavorful baked beans recipe featuring smoky bacon, spicy jalapeño, and rich molasses sweetness. Perfect for backyard barbecues or cozy weeknight sides.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dry navy beans (about 450g), soaked overnight
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (leave seeds in for more heat)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) unsulfured molasses
  • ½ cup (120ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place 1 pound of dry navy beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water by at least 2 inches. Soak overnight (8-12 hours).
  2. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 6 thick-cut bacon slices until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
  4. Add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the bacon fat. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in 1 finely chopped, seeded jalapeño and cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Drain soaked beans using a colander and rinse under cold water.
  6. In a large oven-safe casserole dish or Dutch oven, combine the sautéed mixture, beans, crumbled bacon, ¼ cup molasses, ½ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional), 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
  7. Stir gently until well combined. Cover with a lid or foil.
  8. Bake in the oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, checking after 90 minutes. Beans should be tender and sauce thickened. If too liquidy, uncover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Soaking beans overnight is essential to avoid crunchiness. Rendering bacon slowly enhances flavor. Adjust jalapeño heat by leaving seeds in or out. If beans are still firm after baking, add hot water and continue baking. Can be made in a slow cooker by cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours after sautéing bacon and aromatics.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, cowboy baked beans, bacon baked beans, jalapeño, molasses, barbecue side dish, easy baked beans, smoky baked beans

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/cowboy-baked-beans-recipe-easy-bacon-jalape-n-o-molasses-flavor/