Baked beans with bacon are the epitome of comfort food—rich, hearty, and filled with classic flavors. This recipe uses navy beans, a touch of sweetness from molasses and brown sugar, and the savory goodness of bacon to create a dish that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The best part? These beans freeze beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeks. Slow-baked to perfection, this dish offers a satisfying taste of tradition in every bite.
Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Baked Beans with Bacon
- 3 cups (600 g) navy beans
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) ground Himalayan sea salt
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) molasses, preferably blackstrap (divided)
- 3 tablespoons (45 g) brown sugar (e.g., demerara)
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) prepared yellow mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) dry mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.5 g) baking soda
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (mixed peppercorns preferred)
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 large red onion, halved and cut into 8 pieces
Step-by-Step Instructions for Old-Fashioned Baked Beans
Step 1: Soak and Cook the Beans
Place the navy beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water, ensuring the water level is at least 2 inches (5 cm) above the beans. Let the beans soak at room temperature for 12 hours or overnight.
After soaking, drain the beans and transfer them to a large pot. Cover the beans with fresh cold water and add the Himalayan sea salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 40 minutes, or until the beans are tender. Drain the beans, reserving the cooking liquid, and set both aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup (120 ml) of molasses, brown sugar, prepared yellow mustard, dry mustard, baking soda, and black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are fully combined, then set the sauce aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Ingredients
Take one slice of bacon and rub the inside of a bean pot or Dutch oven with it to grease the surface lightly. Cut the remaining bacon slices into small pieces.
Place half of the onion pieces at the bottom of the pot. Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked beans and stir to coat them evenly. Add the bacon pieces to the beans, stirring to distribute them. Transfer half of the bean mixture to the pot, layering it over the onions. Add the remaining onion pieces on top, followed by the rest of the beans.
Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup (60 ml) of molasses over the top layer. Sprinkle with additional black pepper, if desired.
Step 4: Bake the Beans
Pour enough of the reserved cooking liquid over the bean mixture to just cover it. Place the lid on the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Bake for 6 hours, checking the beans every hour.
If the beans appear dry, add more of the reserved liquid as needed. In the final hour, pour additional liquid to cover the beans and leave the pot uncovered to allow the top layer to darken and develop a rich, caramelized texture.
These old-fashioned baked beans with bacon are a labor of love that pays off with deep, savory-sweet flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family meal, they pair wonderfully with crusty bread or a crisp green salad. Make a batch today and enjoy this timeless comfort food, either fresh out of the oven or saved for later—it’s a classic that never goes out of style!
