Go Back
Ina Garten Baked Beans Recipe

Ina Garten Baked Beans Recipe

Emily Carter
If you want the ultimate comfort food, you need this Ina Garten Baked Beans Recipe. There is something so cozy about a big pot of beans bubbling in the oven.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dried navy beans soaked overnight
  • 6 ounces thick-cut bacon chopped
  • 2 large yellow onions chopped
  • 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups water

Instructions
 

Soak the Beans

  • Place your dried beans in a large bowl. Cover them with plenty of water. Let them sit overnight. This makes them soft and easy to digest. Drain and rinse them the next morning.

Cook the Bacon

  • Put your chopped bacon into a large Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat until it is crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon bits. Leave the fat in the pot for flavor.

Sauté the Onions

  • Add the chopped onions to the hot bacon fat. Cook them for about 10 minutes. They should be soft and translucent. Do not let them burn. The smell will be amazing!

Mix the Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk the molasses, maple syrup, and ketchup. Add the Dijon mustard and minced ginger. This creates a sweet and tangy base. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine Ingredients

  • Add the drained beans back into the Dutch oven with the onions. Pour in the sauce mixture and the 4 cups of water. Stir everything together very well. Add the crispy bacon back in.

Bake the Beans

  • Cover the pot with a tight lid. Put it in an oven set to 325 degrees. Bake for about 2 hours. Check them halfway through. If they look dry, add a splash of water.

Final Simmer

  • Take the lid off for the last 15 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken up beautifully. The beans should be tender but not mushy. Let them sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a bright heat that ground ginger lacks.
  • Don't Rush: Baking slowly at a low temperature makes the beans creamy.
  • Add Heat: If you like spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
  • Canned Shortcut: You can use canned beans to save time. Just reduce the baking time to 45 minutes.
  • Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
  • Maple Quality: Always use real maple syrup, not the flavored pancake syrup.
Keyword Ina Garten Baked Beans Recipe