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Baked Beans From Scratch

A nutritious dish of baked beans made from scratch, combining protein-packed navy beans with savory and sweet flavors, perfect for meal prep.
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Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 13 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beans Preparation
  • 1 pound dry navy beans Dried beans are soaked and cooked.
  • 2 teaspoons salt For seasoning the beans.
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda Helps soften the beans.
Main Ingredients
  • 8 slices bacon, diced Adds smokiness to the dish.
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion For flavor.
  • 1 cup brown sugar Adds sweetness.
  • 1 cup ketchup Base of the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup Enhances sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Balances flavors.
  • 1.5 cups reserved bean liquid Liquid from cooked beans.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pour the dry navy beans into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Soak for 12 hours or overnight.
  2. Drain the beans and cover them with fresh water. Stir in the salt and baking soda. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for one hour. Drain the beans, reserving the water.
Cooking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon until it's crispy. Add the diced onions and cook until they're translucent.
  3. Stir in the drained beans, brown sugar, ketchup, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and the reserved bean liquid.
  4. Pour the mixture into a baking dish, cover tightly, and place it in the oven. Bake for 1 hour.
  5. After 1 hour, stir the beans and add additional water if necessary to keep the beans moist. Bake for another 30 minutes.
  6. Remove the cover and bake for an extra 30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  7. Stir the baked beans one final time and serve them warm.

Notes

These baked beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. They can also be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.