Southern Baked Beans
Southern baked beans are a classic comfort food featuring smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors with tender navy beans and thick-cut turkey bacon, perfect for family gatherings or barbecues.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut turkey bacon cut into ½ inch pieces
- 1 yellow onion finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 4 (15 oz) cans navy beans drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard or 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ¼ cup distilled or cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by chopping the thick-cut turkey bacon into ½ inch pieces. Finely dice the yellow onion and dice the green bell pepper. Open and drain the canned navy beans, then rinse them under cold water to remove excess sodium and canning liquid.
Cook the Turkey Bacon
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the turkey bacon pieces. Cook until they are browned and slightly crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Leave the rendered fat in the skillet.
Sauté Vegetables
- Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the turkey bacon fat. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the bell pepper softens. This will build the flavor base for the beans.
Combine Beans and Sauce Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained navy beans, cooked turkey bacon, sautéed onion and bell pepper, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, dry mustard (or Dijon mustard), garlic powder, vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
Bake the Beans
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Transfer the bean mixture to an oven-safe casserole dish or Dutch oven. Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the lid or foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly.
Serve and Enjoy
- Once baked, allow the beans to cool slightly before serving. These Southern baked beans pair wonderfully with grilled meats, cornbread, or a fresh green salad.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Oven-safe Casserole Dish
- Dutch Oven
Notes
For deeper flavor, cook the beans on the stove for 15-20 minutes before baking to let the sauce thicken slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon before baking. Adjust sweetness and tanginess by adding more molasses or vinegar according to your taste preferences. Use a heavy-bottomed casserole dish or Dutch oven to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. For a smokier flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked paprika instead of some turkey bacon.
Variations include a vegetarian version by omitting turkey bacon and adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke, spicy baked beans with cayenne pepper or jalapeño, using fresh beans soaked overnight, adding horseradish or Worcestershire sauce for extra zing, and stirring in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.