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Sweet Smoky Baked Beans

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A quick and easy homemade comfort food recipe featuring tender beans in a sweet, smoky, and tangy sauce, ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans Great Northern Beans or Cannellini Beans (15 oz / 425 g each)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tbsp packed brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chipotle powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water or vegetable broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Drain and rinse the beans under cold water to remove excess salt and prevent mushiness.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 6-8 minutes until soft and golden.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder (if using). Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring often to caramelize the tomato paste and bloom the spices.
  6. In a medium mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and water or vegetable broth. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  7. Add the drained beans to the skillet with the onion and spice mixture, then pour in the sauce mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all the beans.
  8. Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart oven-safe baking dish and spread evenly.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles.
  10. Remove from oven, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and improve texture. Caramelize onions slowly for sweetness and depth. Toast spices in tomato paste to unlock flavor. Adjust sweetness and acidity with vinegar or mustard to balance flavors. Use a ceramic or glass baking dish for even sauce thickening. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness. Add extra broth if sauce is too thick before baking, or bake longer if too thin after baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, sweet smoky baked beans, comfort food, quick baked beans, homemade baked beans, easy side dish, smoky beans

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/sweet-smoky-baked-beans-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food-in-30-minutes/