Description
These baked beans are a hearty and flavorful addition to any meal, combining tender beans in a rich, sweet, and smoky sauce. This pork-free and alcohol-free version is perfect for gatherings, cookouts, or cozy family dinners, delivering comfort and bold flavors with every bite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cooked navy beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup liquid smoke (to replace smoky bacon flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. - Create the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and vegetable broth. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. - Assemble the Beans:
Place the cooked navy beans in the greased baking dish. Pour the sautéed onion and bell pepper mixture over the beans. Add the sauce and stir everything together to ensure the beans are evenly coated. - Bake to Perfection:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to caramelize slightly. - Serve and Savor:
Let the baked beans cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair them with cornbread, grilled vegetables, or your favorite main dish for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the Sweetness: For less sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar or molasses, and add an extra splash of vegetable broth for balance.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the beans a day in advance and refrigerate them. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 Hour
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 230 kcal per serving