loaded baked beans recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best loaded baked beans recipe

I’m so excited to share my favorite loaded baked beans recipe with you all! I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. The story behind loaded baked beans is that they originated in the United States, specifically in the Northeast, where they were a staple at family gatherings and barbecues.

The dish consists of navy beans in a sweet and tangy sauce, topped with a variety of ingredients such as bacon, brown sugar, and diced tomatoes. I love how easy it is to make and customize to my taste preferences. My kids adore helping me in the kitchen, especially when it comes to adding the toppings.

We often have this recipe at family gatherings, and it’s always the first dish to disappear. The best part about loaded baked beans is that they’re incredibly versatile – you can serve them as a side dish, use them as a topping for hot dogs or burgers, or even eat them straight out of the bowl (no judgment here!) As for the health benefits, I like to think that this recipe is a bit of a compromise between old-fashioned comfort food and healthier eating options.

Navy beans are high in fiber and protein, making them an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their meat intake. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good excuse to indulge in some rich, satisfying flavors every now and then? I’ve experimented with various ingredients over the years, but this recipe remains my go-to for its simplicity and flavor profile.

My family has grown accustomed to the way I prepare it, so it’s become our household’s ‘loaded baked beans standard.’ Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish or an excuse to try new flavors, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try.

Loaded Baked Beans

4.5 from 1239 votes

This loaded baked beans recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a crowd. It’s packed with bacon, onions, and a blend of spices, then baked to perfection.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb dried navy beans
6 slices bacon
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Soak the dried navy beans in water overnight.
2This step is crucial for reducing cooking time and ensuring the beans are tender.
3Drain and rinse the beans before use.
4Preheat the oven to 350°F.
5In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
6Remove the bacon from the pot, leaving the drippings.
7Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces and set aside.
8In the same pot with bacon drippings, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes.
9Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
10Stir in the soaked and drained navy beans, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika, and chili powder.
11Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
12Transfer the bean mixture to a baking dish.
13Top with the chopped bacon.
14Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.
15Stir the beans halfway through cooking to ensure even heating.
16Remove the baked beans from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
17This allows the flavors to meld together.
18Serve hot with cornbread or crusty bread.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can mix in some cooked ground beef or smoked sausage. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bean mixture.

Loaded baked beans are perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a weeknight dinner. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to scale up or down depending on your needs.

If you’re planning an event or party, simply double or triple the recipe as needed. For smaller households or everyday meals, feel free to reduce the ingredient quantities accordingly.

Reheating leftover loaded baked beans is also effortless – just warm them up on your stovetop or in the oven until heated through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Baked Beans

Q: What type of beans are used in loaded baked beans?

Navy beans are typically used in loaded baked beans due to their mild flavor and tender texture.

Q: Can I use other types of beans instead of navy beans?

Yes, you can experiment with other types of beans like kidney beans or pinto beans if you prefer. However, keep in mind that they may change the flavor profile of your dish.

Q: How do I store leftover loaded baked beans?

You can store leftover loaded baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months.

Q: Can I make loaded baked beans ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bean mixture up to two days in advance by cooking the bacon and onions separately from the rest of the ingredients.

Q: Are loaded baked beans suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly; however, if you’re using bacon or any other animal product as part of your toppings, you’ll need to adjust accordingly.

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