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Savory Homemade Baked Beans with Bacon and Smoked Paprika

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A hearty and smoky baked beans recipe featuring thick-cut bacon and smoked paprika, perfect for gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ cups dry navy beans (about 300g), soaked overnight
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cups chicken broth (720ml) or vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Place 1½ cups dry navy beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water by 2 inches. Soak overnight or at least 8 hours.
  2. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  3. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving fat in pot.
  4. Add diced onion to the pot and cook in bacon fat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in smoked paprika and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  6. Drain and rinse soaked beans. Add to the pot and stir to coat with mixture.
  7. Pour in chicken broth, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Stir well.
  8. Bring to a gentle simmer on stovetop. Cover and transfer to oven. Bake for 1 hour, stirring halfway through.
  9. Remove from oven, stir in crispy bacon, and season with salt and pepper. Add water or broth if too thick.
  10. Optional: Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes for a thicker glaze. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If using canned beans, drain and rinse well and reduce cooking time. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth with extra smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Stir beans halfway through baking to prevent sticking. Adjust brown sugar to taste. Bacon fat is important for flavor; do not drain it. Can be cooked in slow cooker after sautéing bacon and aromatics.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, homemade baked beans, bacon baked beans, smoked paprika, comfort food, navy beans, barbecue side dish

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/savory-homemade-baked-beans-with-bacon-and-smoked-paprika-recipe/