Old Fashioned Baked Beans
Old Fashioned Baked Beans offer a hearty, smoky flavor with tender beans infused with bacon and a sweet-savory sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or comfort meals, this dish combines rich bacon, sweet ketchup, and mustard for a timeless classic that satisfies everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the soup beans overnight.
- Rinse beans thoroughly and drain.
- Cover beans with water and cook until tender.
- Drain beans and save the bean broth.
- Mix brown sugar and dry mustard together.
- Add ketchup and bean broth to the sugar and mustard mixture.
- Blend together to make the sauce.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Add half of the beans and about 3 strips of bacon to the pan.
- Add the remaining beans and the remaining bacon strips.
- Pour the ketchup sauce over the entire pan.
- Use a knife to mix the sauce around the beans.
- Add chopped onions, if desired.
- Bake for 1 1/2 hours at 300°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider using a mix of beans such as navy and pinto. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute with maple syrup or honey, adjusting the quantity to taste. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the umami profile of the dish. For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Old Fashioned Baked Beans as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats, especially pulled pork, or with a classic Pork Roast Barbecue. They also pair well with cornbread, such as Jalapeno Cornbread Casserole, and a simple green salad to balance the richness. Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. For longer storage, consider freezing the beans for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Baked Beans contains roughly 267 calories, with 6g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 602mg per serving (26% 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?
Yes, you can use canned beans for convenience. If using canned, skip the soaking and cooking steps, and simply rinse and drain the beans before mixing them with the sauce. Reduce the baking time to about 30-45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How can I make this recipe spicy?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the sauce. You can also top the baked beans with sliced fresh jalapeños before baking. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the baked beans a day in advance and refrigerate them before baking. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven until heated through. This allows the flavors to deepen, making it even more delicious!
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).