Name: Easy Stovetop Baked Beans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ lb thick cut bacon; ½ peeled onion; 60 oz navy beans; 8 oz tomato sauce; 3 tbsp molasses; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tsp dry mustard powder; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup water

Indulge in the comforting flavors of classic baked beans without the need for an oven. This easy stovetop baked beans recipe brings together rich molasses, tangy tomato sauce, and smoky bacon to create a delicious side dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Photos of Easy Stovetop Baked Beans Recipe

While most ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in the pantry, you might need to specifically look for molasses and dry mustard powder. Both are essential for achieving the deep, complex flavors in this dish, so make sure to check the baking or condiment aisles at the supermarket.

Ingredients for Easy Stovetop Baked Beans

Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor to the beans.

Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.

Navy beans: The main ingredient, offering a creamy texture and neutral taste.

Tomato sauce: Adds a rich, tangy base to the beans.

Molasses: Brings a deep, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor.

Brown sugar: Sweetens the beans and enhances the molasses.

Dry mustard powder: Adds a slight tang and complexity.

Bay leaf: Infuses the dish with a subtle herbal note.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

Water: Helps to create the sauce and cook the beans.

One reader, Klarrisa Brownell says:

This easy stovetop baked beans recipe is a game-changer! The flavors meld perfectly, and the bacon adds a delicious touch. Simple to make and absolutely satisfying. A must-try for any bean lover!

Klarrisa Brownell

Techniques for Making the Best Stovetop Baked Beans

How to cook bacon: Cook the bacon in a large soup pot over medium heat, turning often for 5 minutes or until browned. How to discard excess fat: Pour off and discard about half the excess fat from the cooked bacon. How to simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and maintain a gentle bubbling. How to thicken sauce: If the sauce doesn’t seem to be thickening to your liking, remove the lid for the final 5 minutes of cooking. How to remove ingredients: Remove the onion half and bay leaf before serving.

How To Make Easy Stovetop Baked Beans

Serve an appetizing side dish with this stovetop baked beans. It comes with bacon and onions in a rich tomato sauce sweetened with sugar and molasses.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½lbthick cut bacon,cut crosswise into ¼-inch wide strips
½peeled onion,stem intact
60oznavy beans,(4 cans), rinsed and drained
8oztomato sauce,(1 can)
3tbspmolasses
2tbspbrown sugar
2tspdry mustard powder
1bay leaf
1tspsalt
1cupwater

Instructions

In a large soup pot over medium heat, cook the bacon, turning often for 5 minutes or until browned.
Pour off and discard about half the excess fat. Set aside about ¼ cup bacon for garnish.
Add the onion half, drained beans, tomato sauce, molasses, brown sugar, mustard powder, bay leaf, salt, and water to the pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Cover the pot and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until the sauce is thick.
If the sauce doesn’t seem to be thickening to liking, remove the lid for the final 5 minutes of cooking. Remove the onion half and bay leaf.
Serve the beans from the pot, or transfer them to a bowl, and sprinkle the reserved bacon on top.

Nutrition

Calories: 878.97kcal
Fat: 14.73g
Saturated Fat: 4.16g
Trans Fat: 0.04g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.35g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.78g
Carbohydrates: 140.09g
Fiber: 33.17g
Sugar: 18.01g
Protein: 51.62g
Cholesterol: 18.71mg
Sodium: 628.50mg
Calcium: 340.83mg
Potassium: 2794.09mg
Iron: 12.55mg
Vitamin A: 9.60µg
Vitamin C: 2.63mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Stovetop Baked Beans

To enhance the flavor of your baked beans, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of Worcestershire sauce during the simmering process. This will add a subtle tanginess and depth to the dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Baked Beans on the Stove

Pre-cook the bacon: Cook the bacon in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly add it to the pot when needed.

Use canned beans: Opt for canned navy beans instead of dried ones to save time on soaking and cooking.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the tomato sauce, molasses, brown sugar, and mustard powder before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Chop onion ahead: Peel and halve the onion in advance to save prep time.

Simmer with lid off: If the sauce isn't thickening, remove the lid for the last 5 minutes to speed up the process.

Substitute Ingredients For Easy Stovetop Baked Beans Recipe

½ lb thick cut bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative that still provides a smoky flavor.
½ lb thick cut bacon - Substitute with smoked sausage: Smoked sausage can add a similar depth of flavor and richness.
½ peeled onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter taste compared to onions.
½ peeled onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion flavor and can add a unique twist.
60 oz navy beans - Substitute with great northern beans: Great northern beans have a similar texture and mild flavor.
60 oz navy beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans are creamy and can easily replace navy beans.
8 oz tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can provide a similar consistency and flavor.
8 oz tomato sauce - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements baked beans.
3 tbsp molasses - Substitute with honey: Honey offers a natural sweetness and can be used in place of molasses.
3 tbsp molasses - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a rich, sweet flavor similar to molasses.
2 tbsp brown sugar - Substitute with white sugar and molasses: Mixing white sugar with a bit of molasses can mimic the taste of brown sugar.
2 tbsp brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar sweetness and can be used as a direct replacement.
2 tsp dry mustard powder - Substitute with prepared mustard: Prepared mustard can be used in a slightly larger quantity to replace dry mustard powder.
2 tsp dry mustard powder - Substitute with turmeric: Turmeric provides a different but complementary flavor and color.
1 bay leaf - Substitute with thyme: Thyme offers a different but aromatic flavor that can enhance the dish.
1 bay leaf - Substitute with oregano: Oregano provides a robust flavor that can replace the bay leaf.
1 tsp salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
1 tsp salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement for regular salt.
1 cup water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds additional flavor to the beans.
1 cup water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can provide a richer flavor compared to water.

Presentation Ideas for Stovetop Baked Beans

Serve in individual ramekins: Present the baked beans in small, elegant ramekins to give each guest a personal serving. This adds a touch of sophistication and ensures even portioning.
Garnish with crispy bacon: Sprinkle the reserved bacon on top of each ramekin just before serving. The crispy texture and smoky flavor will enhance the overall dish.
Add a fresh herb sprig: Place a small sprig of fresh thyme or parsley on top of the beans for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Use a contrasting plate: Serve the ramekins on a dark-colored plate or slate board. The contrast will make the baked beans stand out visually.
Drizzle with molasses: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of molasses over the top of the beans for an extra layer of sweetness and a glossy finish.
Add a side of artisan bread: Include a slice of toasted artisan bread or a small bread roll on the side. This not only complements the beans but also adds a rustic touch.
Use microgreens for garnish: Sprinkle a few microgreens on top of the beans for an additional layer of texture and a modern presentation.
Serve with a small spoon: Provide a small, elegant spoon with each ramekin to enhance the dining experience and make it easier for guests to enjoy the dish.
Highlight the sauce: Ensure the sauce is thick and glossy, coating the beans well. This will make the dish look more appetizing and professionally prepared.
Create a clean presentation: Wipe the edges of the ramekins and plates to ensure there are no drips or smudges, maintaining a pristine and professional appearance.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Baked Beans on the Stove

Large soup pot: A deep pot used for cooking the bacon and simmering the beans with all the ingredients.
Tongs: Useful for turning the bacon while it cooks to ensure it browns evenly.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the water and tomato sauce.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the molasses, brown sugar, mustard powder, and salt.
Knife: Used to peel and halve the onion.
Cutting board: A surface for safely cutting and preparing the onion.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients together in the pot.
Lid: To cover the pot while the beans are simmering, helping to control the thickness of the sauce.
Slotted spoon: Handy for removing the onion half and bay leaf from the pot before serving.
Serving bowl: Optional, for transferring the beans from the pot to a serving dish.
Ladle: Useful for serving the beans from the pot or bowl.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Baked Beans

Let the baked beans cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze the baked beans, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, leaving about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the frozen baked beans in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat the thawed baked beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth to thin out the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.
For best results, consume the reheated baked beans within 2-3 days of thawing.
Note: The texture of the beans may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor should remain delicious.

How To Reheat Leftover Stovetop Baked Beans

Reheat the baked beans in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method ensures even heating and prevents the beans from drying out or burning on the bottom of the pan.
For a quick and easy reheating option, transfer the leftover baked beans to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters and help retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the beans are heated through.
If you prefer a slightly crispy texture, reheat the baked beans in a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe dish. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), add the beans to the skillet or dish, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on top.
For a flavorful twist, add a splash of chicken broth, beef broth, or vegetable broth to the beans before reheating. This will help keep the beans moist and add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
If the leftover baked beans have thickened up too much in the refrigerator, stir in a small amount of water, broth, or tomato sauce to help loosen the consistency and make them easier to reheat.

Interesting Trivia About Baked Beans

A unique aspect of this easy stovetop baked beans recipe is the use of molasses and brown sugar for sweetness, which is a traditional method in many classic baked beans recipes. This combination gives the beans a rich, deep flavor that balances the savory taste of the bacon.

Is Making Baked Beans at Home Cost-Effective?

This easy stovetop baked beans recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like bacon, navy beans, and tomato sauce are affordable and readily available. The use of pantry staples such as molasses, brown sugar, and dry mustard powder further enhances its budget-friendliness. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $10-$12 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Are Stovetop Baked Beans Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe for stovetop baked beans is not particularly healthy due to several factors:

The use of bacon adds significant amounts of saturated fat and sodium to the dish
Molasses and brown sugar contribute to the high sugar content
The recipe lacks any significant source of vegetables or fiber

However, there are some redeeming qualities, such as the use of navy beans, which are a good source of protein and fiber. The tomato sauce also adds some nutritional value in the form of vitamins and minerals.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace the bacon with a leaner protein source, such as turkey bacon or smoked turkey sausage
Reduce the amount of molasses and brown sugar, or substitute with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey
Add diced vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Use low-sodium tomato sauce and reduce the amount of added salt
Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as smoked paprika or thyme, to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive sugar or salt

By incorporating these changes, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of this classic comfort food. Remember, moderation is key, and even with these adjustments, baked beans should still be enjoyed as part of a varied and well-rounded diet.

Editor's Opinion on This Stovetop Baked Beans Recipe

This stovetop baked beans recipe is a delightful blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. The use of thick-cut bacon adds a rich depth, while the molasses and brown sugar provide a subtle sweetness that complements the tomato sauce. The dry mustard powder introduces a gentle tang, balancing the dish perfectly. Simmering the beans with a bay leaf and onion infuses them with aromatic undertones. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward cooking method make it an accessible yet impressive dish. Garnishing with reserved bacon adds a satisfying crunch, elevating the overall texture and presentation.

Enhance Your Easy Stovetop Baked Beans Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Complement your easy stovetop baked beans with the smoky sweetness of grilled corn on the cob. The charred kernels add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich, savory beans.

Coleslaw: Add a refreshing and tangy contrast to your meal with a crisp coleslaw. The creamy dressing and crunchy cabbage provide a delightful textural balance to the hearty beans.

Cornbread: Serve up a slice of cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce from your baked beans. The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of the cornbread is a classic pairing that never disappoints.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: For a touch of green and a hint of bitterness, try roasted Brussels sprouts. The caramelized edges and tender insides of the sprouts add a sophisticated touch to your meal.

Potato Salad: Round out your plate with a creamy potato salad. The soft potatoes and tangy dressing create a comforting and satisfying side that complements the savory beans beautifully.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Baked Beans

Classic Beef Chili: Dive into a hearty bowl of classic beef chili! This main course is packed with ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices that will warm you up from the inside out. Perfect for a cozy night in or a game day feast.

Southern Style Collard Greens: Experience the rich flavors of the South with southern style collard greens. Slow-cooked with smoked ham hocks, onions, and a touch of vinegar, these greens are a savory side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course.

Maple Glazed Pork Chops: Savor the sweet and savory combination of maple glazed pork chops. These juicy pork chops are seared to perfection and then coated in a luscious maple syrup and mustard glaze. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Vegetarian Lentil Soup: Warm up with a comforting bowl of vegetarian lentil soup. This hearty soup is loaded with lentils, carrots, celery, and tomatoes, all simmered together in a flavorful vegetable broth. It's a nutritious and satisfying option for any meal.

Apple Crisp: Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of apple crisp. This delightful dessert features tender apples baked under a crunchy oatmeal and brown sugar topping. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Stovetop Baked Beans

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Transform your appetizer game with these stuffed mushrooms. Imagine plump mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The creaminess of the filling contrasts beautifully with the earthy mushrooms, creating a delightful bite-sized treat. Top them off with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and a touch of Parmesan cheese for an added crunch and burst of flavor. These stuffed mushrooms are perfect for any gathering, offering a sophisticated yet easy-to-make option that will impress your guests.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer spread with bruschetta, a classic Italian starter that never fails to please. Picture slices of toasted baguette topped with a vibrant mix of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic. Drizzle with a touch of extra virgin olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavors. The crunchy bread paired with the juicy tomatoes and aromatic basil creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This bruschetta is not only visually appealing but also a refreshing and light way to start any meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in the rich, gooey delight of a Chocolate Lava Cake. This decadent treat features a warm, molten center that oozes out as you take your first bite, creating a perfect harmony of textures. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the intense chocolate flavor. Garnish with fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. This dessert is sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Lemon Meringue Pie: Delight in the tangy and sweet flavors of a Lemon Meringue Pie. The crisp, buttery crust holds a luscious lemon curd filling, topped with a cloud of fluffy meringue that is lightly toasted to perfection. The contrast between the tart lemon and the sweet meringue creates a refreshing and satisfying dessert experience. Serve chilled for a refreshing end to any meal, and consider adding a twist of lemon zest on top for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Why trust this Easy Stovetop Baked Beans Recipe:

This recipe is a trusted favorite because it combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the rich sweetness of molasses and brown sugar. The use of navy beans ensures a hearty and satisfying dish, while the tomato sauce adds a tangy depth. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward cooking method make it accessible for any home cook. Plus, the final touch of crispy bacon garnish elevates the dish, making it perfect for any occasion.

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FAQ:

Can I use a different type of bean instead of navy beans?

Yes, you can substitute navy beans with other beans like pinto beans or great northern beans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.

Do I need to soak the beans before using them in this recipe?

If you're using canned navy beans, there's no need to soak them. If you're using dried beans, you'll need to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and use a bit of olive oil to sauté the onion. You might also want to add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to give it that smoky flavor.

How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker after cooking the bacon and combine all the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the sauce thickens to your liking.