Comfy Baked Beans π²
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 6 hours
Servings: 10 cups
Calories: 476.4 per serving
Description:
These Comfy Baked Beans are the epitome of comfort food, perfect for those cozy winter evenings that beckon warmth and hearty flavors. Adapted from a beloved recipe in Canadian Living magazine, these beans are a harmonious blend of ingredients, creating a rich and satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 3 thick slab bacon π₯
- 1/4 cup crushed tomatoes π
- 1 onion, diced π§
- 2 tablespoons ketchup π
- 3/4 cup molasses π₯
- 3/4 cup brown sugar π
- 1/3 cup dry mustard πΆοΈ
- 1 teaspoon salt π§
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper πΏ
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Beans: Rinse the beans thoroughly, discarding any blemished ones and removing any grit. |
| 2 | Soak the Beans: In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, cover the beans with three times their volume of water. Bring to a boil, then boil gently for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain the beans, discarding the liquid. |
| 3 | Cook the Beans: Return the soaked beans to the pot with fresh water (again, three times their volume). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 to 45 minutes or until tender. Drain the beans, reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid. |
| 4 | Preheat the Oven: While the beans are cooking, preheat your oven to 300Β°F (150Β°C). |
| 5 | Prepare the Bacon: Dice the thick slab bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside. |
| 6 | Assemble the Dish: In a bean pot or 16-cup casserole dish, combine the cooked beans, reserved cooking liquid, diced bacon, crushed tomatoes, diced onions, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined. |
| 7 | Bake the Beans: Cover the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 2-1/2 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. |
| 8 | Final Touch: Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 1 to 1-1/2 hours, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the beans deliciously. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. |
| 9 | Serve and Enjoy: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. These Comfy Baked Beans are perfect as a side dish for a hearty winter meal or as a comforting main dish on their own. Enjoy the rich flavors and cozy warmth! π |
Tips:
- Tomato Substitute: If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, you can use whole or diced tomatoes. Simply mash them before adding them to the recipe.
- Make Ahead: These baked beans taste even better the next day! Make them ahead of time and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.
- Customize Flavors: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the beans to suit your taste. Add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat or more brown sugar for a sweeter touch.
- Freezing Instructions: These baked beans freeze wonderfully. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
There you have it! A hearty and comforting recipe for Comfy Baked Beans that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re serving a crowd at a potluck or enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner, these beans are sure to become a family favorite. π²β¨
