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Old Fashioned Baked Beans Recipe Easy Rich Cast Iron Skillet Dish

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Slow-cooked, rich, smoky baked beans made in a cast iron skillet for a deep caramelized flavor and tender texture. Perfect for family gatherings and comforting weekend dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried navy beans (450g)
  • 6 ounces diced thick-cut bacon (170g)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup molasses (85g), unsulphured
  • 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar (50g)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (120ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15ml), gluten-free if needed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth (480ml)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Soak the dried navy beans overnight (8–12 hours) in cold water with a pinch of salt, submerged by at least 2 inches.
  2. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Dice bacon and onion, mince garlic, and measure sauces and spices.
  3. Heat cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook diced bacon until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove most bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  4. Add diced onion to skillet and cook until translucent and sweet-smelling, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  5. Drain and rinse soaked beans, add to skillet. Pour in chicken broth, molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
  6. Cover skillet with lid or foil and bake for about 2 hours, stirring once halfway through.
  7. Remove lid and bake uncovered for last 30 minutes to caramelize the top and thicken sauce. Add broth or water if sauce looks too dry.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let beans rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not skip soaking the beans to ensure even cooking and tender texture. Use cast iron for caramelized crust and depth of flavor. Add garlic near the end of sautéing to avoid bitterness. Stir occasionally during baking to prevent sticking. Remove lid for last 30 minutes to thicken sauce and develop crust. Adjust seasoning before baking. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika and liquid smoke. For quick weeknight version, use canned navy beans and reduce bake time to 45 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, old fashioned baked beans, cast iron skillet recipe, slow cooked beans, smoky baked beans, family dinner, comfort food, barbecue side dish

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