🥣 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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4 cups cooked navy beans (or 2 cans, 15 oz each, drained and rinsed)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup ketchup
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¼ cup molasses (or brown sugar)
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2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
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½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
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¼ tsp salt, to taste
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¼ tsp black pepper, to taste
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1 cup water (or more for desired consistency)
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Optional: bacon or smoked sausage for added flavor
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat Oven (Optional)
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Preheat to 350°F (175°C) if baking in the oven.
2. Sauté Aromatics
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In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in a little oil until soft and fragrant (3–5 minutes).
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If using bacon, cook it here as well, then chop.
3. Combine Ingredients
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In a baking dish or pot, combine:
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Cooked beans
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Sautéed onion and garlic (and bacon if used)
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Ketchup, molasses, vinegar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper
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Water
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4. Bake or Simmer
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Oven method: Cover and bake 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
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Stovetop method: Simmer over low heat 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Adjust Flavor
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Taste and add more salt, pepper, or sweetener if needed.
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Let beans rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to thicken further.
🌟 Tips
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For a richer flavor, use a mixture of brown sugar and maple syrup instead of molasses.
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Add chili powder or cayenne for a spicier version.
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Baked beans taste even better the next day after flavors meld.
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For vegetarian beans, skip bacon and use smoked paprika for depth.
If you want, I can give a super-easy 15-minute baked beans recipe using canned beans that’s still flavorful and perfect for weeknight meals.
Do you want me to do that?
