Description
This Tangy Baked Beans recipe offers a flavorful and hearty side dish made with navy beans simmered in a tangy sauce of ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Slow-baked to perfection, this comforting dish is ideal for family dinners or potlucks, boasting a balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Sauce
- 3 cans (15 oz each) navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
Aromatics and Fats
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a rack in the center to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aromatic flavor.
- Prepare Baking Dish: If you’re not using a Dutch oven for baking, transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to an oven-safe baking dish to proceed with the next steps.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained navy beans, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and water or vegetable broth to the skillet or baking dish. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Bake the Beans: Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Stir the beans once halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. For the last 10 minutes, remove the lid to allow the sauce to thicken nicely.
- Rest and Serve: After baking, let the beans rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken further and allows the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute navy beans with other white beans like cannellini or great northern beans if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure Worcestershire sauce used is vegetarian or replace it with soy sauce or tamari.
- If you want a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder in step 4.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water to enhance the flavor richness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.