Old Fashioned Baked Beans 🍲

Overview:

If you’re craving a taste of nostalgia combined with wholesome goodness, look no further than these Old Fashioned Baked Beans. This recipe is a labor of love, inspired by a cherished family recipe, tweaked and perfected over time to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to become a favorite at your table. With just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, these baked beans are perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or as a side dish for your next barbecue feast. Soak in the comforting aroma and savor each spoonful of these hearty beans, made with simple ingredients and lots of heart.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4-5 servings
Keywords: Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight

Ingredients:

1 onion
1 can tomato sauce
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4-5 slices of bacon
1 pound dried beans (navy beans or your preferred variety)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Beans:

Begin by soaking the dried beans overnight in cold water. This helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.

2. Rinse and Drain:

The next day, drain and rinse the soaked beans thoroughly to remove any debris or impurities.

3. Cook the Beans:

In a large pot, bring the rinsed beans to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, until they start to soften. Drain the beans and set aside.

4. Prepare the Slow Cooker:

In a slow cooker, combine the onion (chopped), tomato sauce, brown sugar, maple syrup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, prepared mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

5. Add the Beans:

Add the partially cooked beans to the slow cooker, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. If necessary, add enough water to cover the beans completely.

6. Cook Slow and Low:

Set the slow cooker to high and cook the beans for 5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender. Stir occasionally and add water as needed to keep the beans covered.

7. Bacon Infusion:

Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces.

8. Bacon Addition:

After 5 hours of cooking, add the crispy bacon pieces to the slow cooker, stirring them into the beans for an extra layer of smoky flavor and richness.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the beans are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully, it’s time to serve up this comforting dish. Spoon the Old Fashioned Baked Beans into bowls and garnish with additional bacon if desired. Serve hot alongside your favorite mains or enjoy as a standalone meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 290.5
Fat: 3.2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 3.6mg
Sodium: 1197.7mg
Carbohydrates: 59.3g
Fiber: 9.3g
Sugar: 31.6g
Protein: 8.6g

Notes:

These Old Fashioned Baked Beans are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less sugar, maple syrup, or molasses.
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
Leftover beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer-term storage. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Experiment with different types of beans, such as navy beans, pinto beans, or black beans, to create unique flavor variations.
Serve these delicious baked beans alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, cornbread, or as a topping for baked potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.