Gramma Beaton's Baked Beans

Warm, nostalgic, and irresistibly hearty, Gramma Beaton's Baked Beans are the ultimate comfort food that will transport you back to cozy family gatherings. This classic baked beans recipe features tender navy beans slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, flavorful sauce made with molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, and a hint of Dijon mustard for a tangy twist. Crispy bacon and sautéed onions bring savory depth, while a touch of apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness beautifully. Perfectly caramelized in the oven, these beans pair wonderfully with grilled meats, barbecue dishes, or fresh cornbread. With simple ingredients and a no-rush, oven-baked technique, this timeless recipe is ideal for meal-prepping or feeding a crowd. Experience the comforting flavors of yesteryear with every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:360 mins

Total Time:375 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup molasses
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups water

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and pick over the dried navy beans to remove any debris. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak overnight (8-12 hours).

Step 2

The next day, drain and rinse the beans. Place them in a large pot and cover with 6 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 hour, or until the beans are tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

While the beans are cooking, preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).

Step 4

In a large skillet, fry the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and crumble once cooled. Set aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté in the bacon drippings until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

In a large bowl, mix together the molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Add 2 cups of hot water and stir until combined.

Step 7

In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe casserole dish, layer the cooked beans, sautéed onions, and crumbled bacon. Repeat the layering until all ingredients are used.

Step 8

Pour the molasses mixture evenly over the beans. Gently stir to combine, ensuring the mixture coats all the beans and ingredients.

Step 9

Cover the Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 4 hours. Check halfway through to ensure the beans are not drying out, adding a bit of hot water if needed.

Step 10

Remove the lid or foil for the final 30 minutes of cooking to allow the top to caramelize slightly.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy Gramma Beaton's Baked Beans as a standalone dish or as a side for grilled or roasted meat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2384.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2504.1

Total Fat 27.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 47.5mg	0%
Sodium 3900.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 460.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 72.2g	0%
Total Sugars 181.2g
Protein 119.2g	0%

Vitamin D 7.7IU	0%
Calcium 1157.1mg	0%
Iron 32.1mg	0%
Potassium 9245.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 9.5%

Protein: 18.6%

Carbs: 71.9%