Are you a fan of delicious, home-cooked dishes that remind you of simpler times? If so, you’ll love this Grandma Brown’s baked beans recipe. This recipe has been a family tradition for generations and is one of the most treasured secrets in our family.
Every time we make this dish, it brings back memories of my childhood spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would prepare the most mouth-watering meals. I’m thrilled to be able to share this recipe with you finally, so grab a pen and paper, and let’s get cooking!
Grandma Brown’s baked beans are a traditional recipe for home-cooked beans that have been baked in the oven for hours to produce a delicious, rich flavor.
It is made with a special blend of spices and ingredients handed down through generations.
The recipe has been developed by Grandma Brown herself, who is an expert in the field of cooking and baking.
Grandma Brown’s baked beans ingredients
2 cups dried navy beans
1/2 pound bacon, diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups water
Instructions
Preparation and Soaking:
Rinse the dried navy beans in cold water to remove dirt or debris.
Transfer the beans to a large bowl or pot and cover them with water. Ensure that there’s enough water to fully submerge the beans as they will expand during soaking. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. This process helps soften the beans and reduces cooking time.
Preparing the Beans:
Once you have soaked the beans, drain them and get rid of the water used for soaking.
Place the drained beans in a large pot or Dutch oven and add 4 cups of fresh water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the beans simmer for about 30 minutes or until they are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally and skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
Preparing the Sauce:
In a separate skillet or frying pan, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it turns crispy and browned. Remove the bacon using a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
Add the molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the onions. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combining the Beans and Sauce:
Once the beans are tender, drain them and return them to the pot or Dutch oven.
Pour the prepared sauce over the beans and add the cooked bacon. Stir gently to coat the beans evenly with the sauce.
Baking the Beans:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Cover the pot or Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil to seal in the flavors.
Place the pot in the preheated oven and bake the beans for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Check the beans occasionally, stirring gently and adding water if necessary to prevent them from drying out.
Tips:
You can substitute the bacon with diced smoked ham or add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce for a smokier flavor.
If you prefer sweeter baked beans, increase the amount of brown sugar or molasses according to your taste.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers, minced garlic, or a dash of hot sauce.
If you have any leftover baked beans, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be consumed within 4-5 days to ensure freshness. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I prepare Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker. After soaking and boiling the beans:
Transfer them with the sauce and cooked bacon to a slow cooker.
To achieve the best results, cook the beans on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until they become tender and the flavors blend perfectly.
Stir occasionally and adjust the seasoning if needed.
What to serve with?
Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans are a versatile and flavorful dish that pairs well with various meals. Here are some suggestions on what to serve alongside these delicious beans:
Barbecue Feast: Serve Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans as a side dish to a hearty barbecue feast. They complement perfectly with grilled meats such as juicy steaks, tender ribs, or smoky pulled pork. The smoky and sweet flavors of the beans enhance the savory profile of grilled meats, creating a mouth-watering combination.
Summer Cookout: If you’re hosting a summer cookout or a backyard gathering, Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans are an excellent accompaniment to classics like hamburgers, hot dogs, and grilled sausages. The rich, tangy sauce and tender beans provide a satisfying contrast to the savory grilled flavors.
Picnic Delight: Pack a picnic basket and bring along a container of Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans. They are a convenient and delicious addition to any outdoor adventure. Enjoy the beans alongside sandwiches, fried chicken, or even a refreshing salad for a complete and enjoyable picnic experience.
Sunday Brunch: Add some flair to your Sunday brunch by including Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans on the menu. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, fluffy pancakes, or freshly baked biscuits. The combination of the savory beans with traditional breakfast items adds a touch of comfort to your brunch spread.
Holiday Feast: Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans can also be a delightful addition to your holiday feasts. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion, these beans bring warmth and nostalgia to the table. Serve them alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or roasted vegetables for a memorable holiday meal.
Storage And Reheating
Storing and reheating Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans is a simple process that ensures you can enjoy their delicious flavors even after the initial serving. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
Storing
Allow the baked beans to cool to room temperature before storing them.
Transfer the leftover beans into an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag.
Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
Place the container in the refrigerator. The baked beans can be stored for up to 4-5 days.
Reheating
To reheat a small portion, scoop the desired amount of baked beans into a microwave-safe bowl.
Add a splash of water or broth to the beans to prevent them from drying out during reheating.
Cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate to trap the steam.
Microwave the beans on medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through the process. Adjust the time according to your microwave’s power to ensure the beans are heated evenly.
To reheat a larger portion, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Transfer the desired amount of baked beans into an oven-safe dish.
If the beans appear dry, add a little water or broth to the dish to prevent them from drying out during reheating.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the beans from drying out or forming a hard crust.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the beans are heated through.
Health Benefits
Baked beans are a great protein, fiber, and vitamin B6 source. They are also rich in antioxidants that can help prevent heart disease and cancer.
Baked beans have been shown to contain high levels of the antioxidant quercetin, which has been shown to help prevent cancer.
Nutrition facts
Calories: 200
Total Fat: 1g (1% DV)
Saturated Fat: 0g (1% DV)
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg (0% DV)
Sodium: 800mg (35% DV)
Carbohydrates: 37g (14% DV)
Fiber: 15g (60% DV)
Sugars: 25g
FAQ
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
While the recipe calls for dried navy beans, you can substitute them with canned navy beans if you’re short on time. Drain and rinse the canned beans before adding them to the recipe. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly from using dried beans.
Can I make Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can modify the recipe to make it vegetarian or vegan. Omit the bacon and use a vegetarian or vegan alternative, such as tempeh or vegan bacon, to add a smoky flavor. Ensure that the molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and other ingredients used are also suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets.
Can I freeze Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans?
Yes, you can freeze Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans. Allow the beans to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some headspace to allow for expansion during freezing. You can store the beans in the freezer for 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the baked beans?
If you prefer sweeter baked beans, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or molasses according to your taste. Start by adding small amounts at a time and taste as you go until you achieve the desired level of sweetness. Remember to adjust other seasonings accordingly to maintain a balanced flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This is a classic Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans Recipe that was handed down from my mother and I have perfected it over the years. We always add our special family touch when making this recipe, but you don’t need to do that. Follow the recipe exactly and this is what you will get. It’s perfect for campouts, any gathering, or as a main dish for dinner. A warm hug is optional but recommended!
Rinse the dried navy beans in cold water to remove dirt or debris.
Transfer the beans to a large bowl or pot and cover them with water. Ensure that there's enough water to fully submerge the beans as they will expand during soaking. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. This process helps soften the beans and reduces cooking time.
Preparing the Beans:
Once you have soaked the beans, drain them and get rid of the water used for soaking.
Place the drained beans in a large pot or Dutch oven and add 4 cups of fresh water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the beans simmer for about 30 minutes or until they are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally and skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
Preparing the Sauce:
In a separate skillet or frying pan, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it turns crispy and browned. Remove the bacon using a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
Add the molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the onions. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combining the Beans and Sauce:
Once the beans are tender, drain them and return them to the pot or Dutch oven.
Pour the prepared sauce over the beans and add the cooked bacon. Stir gently to coat the beans evenly with the sauce.
Baking the Beans:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Cover the pot or Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil to seal in the flavors.
Place the pot in the preheated oven and bake the beans for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Check the beans occasionally, stirring gently and adding water if necessary to prevent them from drying out.
I am a chef and recipe writer who has been passionate about food since i was a child. I grew up in a family of cooks, and i loved spending time in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning how to make traditional dishes.
