Imagine a dish that combines the rich, hearty flavors of perfectly cooked navy beans with the smoky, savory goodness of sausage - a true American classic that will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds! This isn't just another baked beans recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that'll become the star of your dinner table. Whether you're planning a cozy family meal or a weekend barbecue, these Savory Baked Beans with Sausage are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried navy beans
- 1 pound sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by sorting through the dried navy beans to remove any debris or damaged beans. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
- In a large pot, cover the beans with water and bring to a boil. Let them boil for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat and cover. Allow the beans to soak for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for better texture.
- After soaking, drain the beans and set them aside. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced sausage. Cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and sauté in the sausage fat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked and drained navy beans, cooked sausage, sautéed onion, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the beans are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the bean mixture to a large baking dish or Dutch oven. Add enough water to just cover the beans, approximately 4 cups. Stir to combine.
- Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 2 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the beans are not drying out. If necessary, add more water to keep the mixture moist.
- After 2 hours, remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the top to brown slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Once finished, remove the baked beans from the oven and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will help the sauce thicken a bit more.
- Serve the savory baked beans with sausage warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- Soak Those Beans Right: Always soak your dried beans overnight for the best texture. This not only reduces cooking time but also helps make the beans more digestible.
- Don't Rush the Browning: Take your time when browning the sausage and sautéing the onions. Those golden-brown edges develop incredible depth of flavor.
- Water is Your Friend: Keep an eye on the moisture level during baking. Add water as needed to prevent the beans from drying out and burning.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: The long, slow baking at 300°F allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and complex taste.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the beans sit for 10-15 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and allows the flavors to settle.
- Make Ahead Friendly: These baked beans actually taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare them in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 394kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
