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Savory Smokehouse Baked Beans Recipe with Brown Sugar and Bacon

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A comforting and easy baked beans recipe featuring smoky bacon, brown sugar, and a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for barbecues, weeknight dinners, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 4 cups canned navy beans (about 2 standard 15 oz cans), drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 cup water or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the paste darkens slightly.
  5. Add brown sugar, smoked paprika, mustard powder, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Cook for 1 minute, letting the sugar melt and spices bloom.
  6. Pour in the drained navy beans and 1/2 cup water or chicken broth. Stir gently to coat the beans evenly. Add more broth if the sauce is too dry.
  7. Fold in the crispy bacon pieces, reserving a few for garnish if desired.
  8. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish or Dutch oven and spread evenly.
  9. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring gently halfway through to prevent sticking.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle reserved bacon on top before serving.

Notes

Do not discard bacon fat; it adds flavor. Rinse canned beans to remove excess starch and sodium. Stir halfway through baking to prevent sticking. For thicker sauce, bake an additional 10 minutes or simmer on stovetop. Use fresh spices for best flavor. Vegetarian version: replace bacon with smoked tempeh or liquid smoke and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, smokehouse, bacon, brown sugar, comfort food, easy recipe, barbecue side dish

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/savory-smokehouse-baked-beans-recipe-with-brown-sugar-and-bacon-easy-and-perfect/