Ina Garten’s Baked Beans are a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or as a comforting side to your favorite meals. This recipe blends tender beans with a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

What are Ina Garten Baked Beans?

Baked beans are a classic side dish made with cooked beans simmered in a flavorful sauce, typically including ingredients like molasses, brown sugar, mustard, and smoky seasonings. Ina Garten’s version elevates this traditional dish with her signature touch of simplicity and bold flavor.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Baked Beans

Rich and smoky flavor: A perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Great for gatherings: A crowd-pleasing side dish.
Easy to prepare: Minimal effort with big flavor results.
Versatile pairing: Complements a variety of main dishes.
Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Baked Beans

Navy beans: 1 pound (dried or canned, rinsed and drained)
Bacon: 6 slices, diced
Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Ketchup: 1/2 cup
Molasses: 1/4 cup
Brown sugar: 1/4 cup, packed
Dijon mustard: 2 tablespoons
Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons
Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
Water or chicken stock: 2 cups (if using dried beans)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Baked Beans

Step 1: Prepare the beans

If using dried beans, soak them overnight in cold water. Drain and rinse.
Place the soaked beans in a large pot with fresh water and cook for 1–1.5 hours until tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the bacon

In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté the onion and garlic

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 4: Make the sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 5: Combine the ingredients

In a large baking dish or Dutch oven, combine the cooked beans, sautéed onions ,and garlic, bacon, and prepared sauce. Stir to coat the beans evenly.

Step 6: Bake the beans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or a lid and bake for 1 hour. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 20–30 minutes until the sauce is thickened and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from the oven and let the baked beans cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional bacon or parsley, if desired.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Baked Beans

Grilled meats: Pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, or ribs.
Cornbread: A classic side to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Potato salad: Balances the richness of the beans.
Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing, crunchy contrast.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Baked Beans

Use quality bacon: Enhances the smoky flavor of the dish.
Don’t rush the cooking: Slow baking allows the flavors to meld.
Adjust sweetness: Add more or less brown sugar and molasses to suit your taste.
Use canned beans for convenience: Cuts down on prep time.
Customize the spices: Add cayenne or chili powder for a spicy kick.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Baked Beans

Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Smokier flavor: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.
Sweet and spicy: Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce for heat.
Maple twist: Replace some of the molasses with pure maple syrup.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Baked Beans

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans for baked beans?

Yes, canned beans can be used for convenience. Simply rinse and drain them before adding to the dish, and skip the soaking and pre-cooking steps.

How do I make baked beans less sweet?

Reduce the amount of brown sugar and molasses in the recipe. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard for a tangier flavor balance.

Can I make baked beans ahead of time?

Yes, baked beans can be made a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.

What can I substitute for bacon in baked beans?

For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Baked Beans are a rich, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With their smoky, sweet flavor and tender texture, they’re sure to become a favorite addition to your meal rotation. Try this recipe and enjoy a classic side dish with Ina’s signature flair!

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