Ole' Fashioned Baked Beans
Ole' Fashioned Baked Beans offer hearty, sweet, and savory flavors with tender beans and smoky bacon, perfect for family gatherings or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the beans thoroughly.
- In a Dutch oven, cook the beans in 8 cups of water until tender.
- Add the tomato sauce, diced onion, minced garlic, cloves, salt, and sugar or honey to the beans.
- Cover the mixture with bacon strips.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 2 hours or longer if needed, until the beans are flavorful and the bacon is crisp.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider soaking the Great Northern beans overnight before cooking. You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. If you like a smoky taste, adding smoked paprika or using thick-cut bacon will enhance the dish. Remember to adjust the salt after adding the bacon, as it can be quite salty. This recipe is a great option for a potluck or family gathering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these baked beans as a hearty side with grilled meats or alongside BBQ dishes. They pair beautifully with One Pot Ham And Cheese Bake for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving with cornbread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen them up. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ole' Fashioned Baked Beans contains roughly 449 calories, with 21g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and protein (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2643mg per serving (115% 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 a different type of bean for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Great Northern beans with navy beans or pinto beans. Each type will give a slightly different texture and flavor. Adjust cooking times as needed, as some beans may cook faster than others.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this baked beans recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and replace it with a tablespoon of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor. You can also use diced smoked tempeh or mushrooms for added depth without the meat.
Can I prepare these beans in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beans up to a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing them in the oven.
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).