Old-Fashioned Baked Beans(Microwave)
Old-Fashioned Baked Beans with smoky bacon, sweet molasses, and tangy ketchup offer a hearty, flavorful side perfect for family dinners or outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Great Northern beans ⓘ
- 6 cups hot tap water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup molasses ⓘ
- 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
Instructions
- Place beans and hot tap water in a 3-quart casserole.
- Cook, covered, on full power for 10 to 13 minutes or until boiling.
- Let stand, covered, for 1 hour.
- Add salt, baking soda, and vegetable oil to the beans.
- Cook, covered, on full power for 9 to 12 minutes or until boiling.
- Continue cooking on Cook Level 3 for 30 to 35 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the liquid from the beans, reserving 1 1/4 cups of liquid.
- Stir in catsup, vinegar, brown sugar, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, cooked crumbled bacon, and chopped onion.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the beans. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or omit it altogether. Be sure to soak the beans overnight for better texture and quicker cooking, or use canned beans for an even faster preparation.
Serving Suggestions
These Old-Fashioned Baked Beans make a hearty side dish for barbecues or potlucks. They pair beautifully with grilled meats or can be served alongside Hobo Sacks for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving them with a fresh salad or cornbread to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. You can also add a splash of water if the beans seem too thick when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Baked Beans(Microwave) contains roughly 189 calories, with 3g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1324mg per serving (58% 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 other types of beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Great Northern beans with navy beans or pinto beans. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of bean you choose, so adjust accordingly.
How do I know when the beans are tender?
Beans are tender when they are soft and can be easily mashed with a fork. During the cooking process, check them periodically, especially during the last cooking phase, to ensure they reach your desired level of tenderness.
Can I make these baked beans ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beans a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving. Making them ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
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).