Family Reunion Baked Beans
A hearty baked beans dish with smoky ham, sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for family gatherings and comfort food lovers seeking rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the navy beans overnight in twice their volume of water.
- Rinse the beans and cook in a Dutch oven until just soft, about 30 minutes. Add 2 Tbsp. soda if water is hard.
- Put all other ingredients in a crockpot, stir, and cook on low for 30 minutes.
- Add the cooked beans to the crockpot and cook on low until beans are dark brown, 6 to 8 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the navy beans overnight to ensure they're tender. If you don’t have navy beans, great substitutes include great northern or pinto beans. Adjust the sweetness by using maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a unique flavor twist. For a smoky depth, consider adding smoked paprika. Don’t forget to check the beans periodically while cooking to achieve your desired texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these family reunion baked beans alongside grilled meats, like a juicy Cowboy Burger, for a hearty meal. They also make a great side dish for summer picnics or potlucks. Consider pairing them with cornbread or a fresh Hill Of Beans Salad for a complete feast. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat the beans gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them moist. These baked beans also freeze well, so consider portioning them out in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Family Reunion Baked Beans contains roughly 935 calories, with 31g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (219% of the Daily Value), and iron (215% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 668mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned navy beans for convenience. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and cooking steps, and simply combine them with the other ingredients. Adjust the cooking time in the crockpot to about 2-3 hours on low to allow flavors to meld.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the smoked ham and bacon. You can replace them with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor. Adding sautéed mushrooms can also provide a hearty texture and umami flavor, making it satisfying without the meat.
What can I do if the beans are too salty?
If your baked beans turn out too salty, try adding a diced potato to the pot while cooking. The potato will absorb some of the saltiness. Alternatively, balance the flavor with additional sweeteners like brown sugar or a splash of vinegar to cut the saltiness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).