Print

Cozy Family-Size Baked Beans Recipe Easy Hearty Crowd Pleaser

family-size baked beans recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A hearty, comforting baked beans recipe perfect for feeding a crowd with a rich balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Easy to prepare and ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried navy beans (about 400g), soaked overnight or quick-soaked
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped (turkey bacon for leaner option)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
  • 3 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups (960ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Rinse 2 cups (400g) dried navy beans under cold water. Soak overnight in plenty of water or quick-soak by boiling for 5 minutes, then letting sit covered for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook 6 chopped bacon slices over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving rendered fat in the pot. Set bacon aside.
  3. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion to the bacon fat. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour soaked beans into the pot with 4 cups (960ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth. Stir in 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce, 3 tablespoons molasses, 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially with a lid and simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water if mixture looks too thick. Beans should be tender but not mushy.
  6. Stir reserved bacon back in. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook uncovered for another 10 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
  7. Taste and adjust molasses or vinegar if desired. Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread or alongside grilled meats.

Notes

Slow simmering is key to develop rich flavor and tender beans. Stir every 15-20 minutes to prevent sticking. Add water if beans look dry. For vegetarian/vegan version, omit bacon and use smoked tempeh or liquid smoke and vegetable broth. Beans taste better the next day after flavors meld. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, family recipe, crowd pleaser, hearty beans, molasses, smoky bacon, comfort food, potluck recipe, slow simmer

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/cozy-family-size-baked-beans-recipe-easy-hearty-crowd-pleaser/