When time is of the essence, this quick and easy recipe delivers the rich, smoky flavors you desire without the lengthy slow-cooking process. In just over 30 minutes, you can create a batch of these timeless baked beans, ideal for your upcoming barbecue or as a satisfying side for any occasion.
Preparation Time: 21 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: Serves 8 (serving size: about 1/2 cup)
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of center-cut bacon, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup finely diced onion
- 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- ½ cup of fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
- ⅓ cup of firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of prepared yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon of kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon of smoky paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon of ground red pepper
- 3 (15-ounce) cans of organic navy beans, thoroughly drained
- 1 (8-ounce) can of unsalted tomato sauce
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating your broiler to a high setting.
- In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until delightfully crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside while retaining the flavorful drippings in the pan.
- Add the finely chopped onion and thyme sprigs to the bacon drippings in the pan. Sauté for about 3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Stir in the chicken broth, dark brown sugar, prepared mustard, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and ground red pepper. Reduce the heat to medium and cook uncovered for roughly 10 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly. Stir occasionally and discard the thyme sprigs.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the crispy bacon pieces.
- Place the skillet under the broiler for approximately 4 minutes or until the top becomes bubbly, and the edges develop a delightful crust.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 158
- Fat: 2.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.6g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g
- Protein: 7.8g
- Carbohydrates: 28.7g
- Fiber: 6.2g
Keep in mind that these nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on factors like the brands of ingredients used and portion sizes.
Cooking Tips:
- For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a bit more smoked paprika.
- Personalize your baked beans by incorporating diced bell peppers or a pinch of cayenne for some extra heat.
- These beans make a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or a topping for baked potatoes.