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Molasses Baked Beans

Name: Molasses Baked Beans
Prep time: 1 h 25 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Yield: 18 servings.
Cuisine: North America, Mexican
Ingredients: 2 pounds dried navy beans; 5 quarts water, divided; 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1-1/2 cups ketchup; 1 cup butter, melted; 2 large onions, quartered; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 tablespoon Liquid Smoke or barbecue sauce

3 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 1 hour 25 min. + soaking Bake: 2 hours

Makes

18 servings

Updated: Sep. 01, 2022

These hearty, from-scratch baked beans with molasses taste like they were simmered over an open fire. Their sweet and zippy flavor is as big as the great outdoors. No matter what kind of meal you're "rustling up", this satisfying side dish is certain to please. —Sandra Thorn, Sonora, California

Molasses Baked Beans Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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Ingredients

2 pounds dried navy beans
5 quarts water, divided
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 cups ketchup
1 cup butter, melted
2 large onions, quartered
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon Liquid Smoke or barbecue sauce

Directions

Place beans and 2-1/2 qt. water in a 6-qt. Dutch oven; bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans; return to pan with remaining 2-1/2 qt. water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°. Drain beans, reserving cooking liquid. Return beans to pan; add remaining ingredients and mix well. Cover and bake until beans reach desired consistency, 2 to 2-1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add some of the reserved cooking liquid if too thick.

Baked Beans with Molasses Tips

Can you use canned navy beans instead of dried to make baked beans with molasses?

Yes! You can use canned navy beans instead of dried when making baked beans with molasses. To replace the 2 cups of dried beans, you’ll need to pick up three to four 15-oz. cans of navy beans. When it comes to other modifications to the recipe, you can use maple syrup if you don't have light or dark molasses on hand, too. Just make sure it's pure maple syrup vs. pancake syrup. For an even heartier dish, stir in some cooked and crumbled bacon or browned ground beef.

What can you serve with baked beans with molasses?

You can serve many kinds of main dishes with baked beans with molasses. Our favorites include beef sandwiches, hamburgers and ribs.

How should you store baked beans with molasses?

Baked beans with molasses should be refrigerated in a covered container and enjoyed within 3 days. They can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

—Julie Schnittka, Taste of Home Senior Editor

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 346 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 816mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein.