Classic Boston Baked Beans

There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of homemade Boston baked beans straight from the oven. This classic comfort food is loaded with tender navy beans, smoky bacon, and a rich sweet-and-savory sauce made with molasses and brown sugar. It’s the perfect side dish for BBQs, family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekend meals. The slow baking process gives these beans their deep flavor and thick, delicious sauce that tastes even better the next day.

Classic Boston Baked Beans

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried navy beans, soaked overnight
• 1/2 pound bacon strips
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons molasses
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• Water, as needed for cooking

Instructions

1. Drain the soaked navy beans and place them in a large pot. Cover with fresh water and bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce the heat and let the beans simmer for about 1 to 2 hours, or until they’re almost tender. Drain the beans, but save some of the cooking liquid for later.
3. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
4. Spread half of the cooked beans into the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish or casserole dish.
5. Layer half of the bacon strips over the beans, then sprinkle half of the diced onions on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining beans, bacon, and onions.
6. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dry mustard. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
7. Pour the sauce evenly over the beans in the baking dish. Add enough reserved bean cooking liquid to just cover the beans.
8. Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 1 1/2 hours.
9. Remove the cover and continue baking for another 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. Check the beans every 30 minutes and add a little extra cooking liquid if they start looking dry.
10. Once the beans are soft, thick, and full of flavor, remove them from the oven and serve warm.

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