Baked Beans Tomato Sauce (Printable View)
Tender navy beans slow-baked in a rich, sweet-savory tomato sauce with molasses and spices.
# Ingredient List:
→ Beans
01 - 2 cups dried navy beans (or 4 cups cooked or canned beans, drained and rinsed)
→ Sauce
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
05 - 1/4 cup molasses
06 - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
07 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
08 - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
09 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
10 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1 cup water
14 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# How to Make It:
01 - If using dried beans, soak them overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse, then place in a large pot, cover with fresh water, bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes until tender. Drain well.
02 - Set oven temperature to 350°F.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, stirring frequently.
04 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and water until thoroughly mixed.
05 - Incorporate the cooked or canned beans into the sauce and stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
06 - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop, cover with a lid, then transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, stirring halfway through cooking.
07 - Remove the lid and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the sauce, adjusting seasoning to taste before serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This recipe turns simple navy beans into a rich, sweet-savory dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate
- The balance of molasses and smoked paprika gives it a flavor that's both nostalgic and exciting
02 -
- Patience is key: undercooked beans can ruin the texture, so soaking and slow simmering are not to be rushed
- Switching molasses for maple syrup lightens sweetness but changes depth, so choose according to your mood
03 -
- For the deepest flavor, allow the beans to marinate in the sauce overnight before baking
- The final uncovered bake gives the sauce a delightful sticky glaze that makes every bite special