Nana'S Baked Beans
Nana's Baked Beans offer hearty, smoky flavors with tender navy beans, bacon, and sweet molasses, perfect for family dinners, picnics, or gatherings requiring comforting comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring beans, salt, and 2 quarts water to a boil; boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour.
- Drain beans and discard liquid. Return beans to the pan.
- Cover with remaining water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are tender.
- Drain, reserving the cooking liquid.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a greased 2 1/2-quart baking dish, combine beans, 1 cup reserved liquid, chopped red onion, molasses, crumbled bacon, brown sugar, ground mustard, and pepper.
- Cover and bake for 3 to 3 1/2 hours or until beans are as thick as desired, stirring occasionally.
- Add more reserved cooking liquid if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the bean mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or omit it entirely. Be sure to soak the beans overnight for a quicker cooking time, or use canned beans for convenience, adjusting the cooking liquid accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Nana's Baked Beans as a hearty side dish at your next barbecue or potluck, where they pair beautifully with grilled meats or burgers. They complement dishes like Hamburger Hot Dogs or Pat'S Party Spaghetti perfectly. For a complete meal, consider adding a fresh green salad or coleslaw on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or reserved cooking liquid to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana'S Baked Beans contains roughly 175 calories, with 5g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (131% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other types of beans for this recipe?
Yes, while navy beans are traditional, you can use other beans like pinto or kidney beans. Just adjust the cooking time as different beans may have varying cooking durations. Ensure they are cooked until tender before mixing with the other ingredients.
How can I make this dish sweeter?
If you prefer sweeter baked beans, increase the amount of brown sugar or molasses. You might also mix in a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey for added sweetness. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
Can I make these baked beans ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beans up to a day in advance. After combining the ingredients, store the unbaked mixture in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just bake them according to the instructions, adding a bit more liquid if necessary.
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).