Easy Baked Beans
This easy recipe delivers classic, comforting baked beans with a delightful balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. It starts by crisping bacon and sautéing onions, then combining them with pork and beans, molasses, brown sugar, and mustard. Baked uncovered until bubbling and thickened, these hearty beans are a perfect side dish for any occasion.
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet
- 1 3-Quart Casserole Dish
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 1 Chef's Knife and Cutting Board
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
Main
- 1 pound bacon
- 1 large sweet onion such as Vidalia, finely chopped
- Four 14-ounce cans pork and beans
- 1/2 cup dark molasses
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan, leaving the drippings, and drain it on paper towels. Crumble and set aside.
- Add the onion to the pan with the bacon drippings and saute until softened, a couple minutes. Stir in the beans, molasses, brown sugar, mustard and crumbled bacon, and mix well.
- Pour the beans into a 3-quart casserole and bake, uncovered, for about 45 minutes.
Notes
For the bacon, render it slowly to achieve maximum crispness and flavor, leaving ample drippings for the onions. Ensure the onion is truly softened to a translucent state; this builds the foundational flavor. When combining the ingredients, mix thoroughly to distribute the molasses, brown sugar, and mustard evenly for balanced sweetness and tang. During baking, monitor the beans to prevent them from drying out; if they seem too thick, a splash of water or chicken stock can be added. For an enhanced depth of flavor, consider adding a dash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika before baking. These beans are excellent served alongside grilled meats or at any potluck.