Get ready to transform your ordinary side dish into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds! These Brown Sugar Baked Beans are not just another boring bean recipe - they're a sweet and savory sensation that will elevate your next barbecue, potluck, or family dinner. Imagine tender navy beans glazed with a rich, caramelized brown sugar sauce that's both tangy and sweet, creating a side dish so irresistible it might just steal the show from the main course!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed navy beans with the diced onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the brown sugar sauce over the beans and onions, stirring gently to ensure all beans are evenly coated.
- Transfer the bean mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the beans from drying out during baking.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes to allow the top to caramelize and develop a rich, golden-brown crust.
- Remove from the oven and let the beans rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnished with optional chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose high-quality navy beans and drain them thoroughly to ensure the best texture and flavor absorption.
- For extra depth, consider adding crispy bacon bits or diced ham to the bean mixture before baking.
- Use a ceramic or glass baking dish for more even heat distribution and better caramelization.
- Don't skip the step of removing the foil in the last 30 minutes - this is crucial for developing that delicious golden-brown crust.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the liquid ingredients slightly or let the beans rest a bit longer after baking.
- For a smoky flavor variation, add a tablespoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- These beans taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make them in advance for meal prep or gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
