Easy Baked Beans
Easy homemade baked beans recipe with navy beans, maple syrup, and spices. Vegetarian side dish ready in 55 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- Sea salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Cook the chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until the edges are crispy, about 5 minutes, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- 2
Add the diced onion to the rendered bacon fat in the pot and sauté over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and softened, about 4 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- 4
Whisk together the tomato paste, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and whole grain mustard in a small bowl to combine thoroughly.
- 5
Pour the prepared sauce into the pot with the aromatics and stir well to coat the bottom of the pot, cooking for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly.
- 6
Add the drained and rinsed beans, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf to the pot and stir to combine evenly.
- 7
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 8
Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning with sea salt and black pepper as needed, keeping in mind the bacon will add some saltiness.
- 9
Stir in the reserved cooked bacon and fresh parsley just before serving, allowing the flavors to meld for 1 minute.
- 10
Remove from heat and serve warm as a side dish alongside grilled proteins or at your next gathering.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| bacon | smoked tempeh or coconut bacon | Provides the smoky, savory depth without animal products while keeping the recipe vegetarian-friendly |
| pure maple syrup | unsulfured blackstrap molasses plus 1 tablespoon honey | Blackstrap molasses adds minerals and iron while honey provides natural sweetness with a lower glycemic index |
| vegetable broth | bone broth or mushroom broth | Bone broth adds collagen for gut health and deeper umami flavor; mushroom broth for vegan option |
| whole grain mustard | Dijon mustard plus 1 teaspoon whole mustard seeds | Dijon adds tang and complexity while mustard seeds provide additional flavor texture and beneficial compounds |
| navy beans | pinto beans or black beans | Pinto and black beans offer comparable nutrition with slightly different flavor profiles and texture preferences |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 6)
| Calories | 245 |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 8mg |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Fiber | 9g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Protein | 13g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
