Ina Garten Baked Beans Recipe

Ina Garten Baked Beans Recipe

This Ina Garten Baked Beans Recipe is a sweet and smoky recipe, which includes navy beans and crispy bacon. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

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Ina Garten Baked Beans Recipe Ingredients

  • 1 pound navy beans (dried or canned, rinsed and drained)
  • 6 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups water or chicken stock (if using dried beans)
Ina Garten Baked Beans Recipe Ingredients
Ina Garten Baked Beans Recipe Ingredients

How To Make Ina Garten Baked Beans Recipe

  1. Prepare the beans: If using dried beans, soak overnight in cold water. Drain, rinse, and cook in fresh water for 1 to 1.5 hours until tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the fat.
  3. Sauté onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with bacon fat. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to blend.
  5. Mix and assemble: In a large baking dish or Dutch oven, mix the cooked beans, sautéed onions and garlic, bacon, and sauce. Stir well.
  6. Bake the beans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish and bake for 1 hour. Then uncover and bake another 20–30 minutes until bubbly and thickened.
  7. Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra bacon or chopped parsley if desired.
Ina Garten Baked Beans Recipe
Ina Garten Baked Beans Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
    Yes, just skip the soaking and cooking steps and go straight to the assembly.
  • How to make it vegetarian:
    Omit the bacon and use olive oil instead of bacon fat. Use vegetable stock.
  • What kind of beans are best?
    Navy beans are traditional, but Great Northern or pinto beans also work.
  • Can I make these ahead of time?
    Yes, these baked beans taste even better the next day.
  • How to make it smokier:
    Add a dash of liquid smoke or use smoked bacon.

What To Serve With Baked Beans

These sweet and smoky beans go great with BBQ and picnic staples:

  • Grilled hot dogs or sausages
  • Barbecue ribs or pulled pork
  • Cornbread or biscuits
  • Coleslaw
  • Potato salad
Ina Garten Baked Beans Recipe
Ina Garten Baked Beans Recipe

How To Store Baked Beans

Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove or microwave.

Baked Beans Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 389 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Sugar: 18g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I cook this in a slow cooker instead?
Yes, assemble everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours.

Why are my beans still tough?
If using dried beans, make sure they simmered long enough before baking. Older beans may need more cook time.

Can I make this dish spicy?
Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

How do I keep the beans from drying out?
Keep them covered while baking and add a splash of water or stock if needed.

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Ina Garten Baked Beans Recipe

Recipe by SarahCourse: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 

30

minutes
Calories

389

kcal

A rich, smoky baked bean dish made with navy beans, bacon, and a sweet molasses-ketchup sauce—perfect for backyard BBQs.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound navy beans (or 3 cans), rinsed and drained

  • 6 slices bacon, diced

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup ketchup

  • 1/4 cup molasses

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 cups water or chicken stock (if using dried beans)

Directions

  • Soak and cook dried beans if using. Drain.
  • Cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside.
  • Sauté onions and garlic in bacon fat.
  • Mix sauce ingredients in a bowl.
  • Combine beans, bacon, sautéed veggies, and sauce in a baking dish.
  • Bake covered at 350°F for 1 hour, then uncovered for 20-30 mins.
  • Cool slightly and serve.

Sarra

I’m Sarra Jhonson, the cook behind Tasty Treats Daily. In my tiny apartment kitchen, I try all kinds of recipes—weeknight dinners, baked treats, and quick sides—then refine them until they’re reliable. I write clear, step-by-step instructions in plain language, and I share what worked, what didn’t, and the tips that make it easier at home.