Baked Beans Tomato Sauce (Print View)
Tender beans slow-baked in a rich, savory tomato sauce bursting with warm spices and tang.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beans
01 - 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans, drained and rinsed
→ Sauce
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
05 - 4 tbsp molasses or dark treacle
06 - 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
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 tsp salt
13 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
14 - 1 cup water or vegetable broth
→ Optional
15 - 3.5 oz thick-cut bacon, diced (omit for vegetarian or vegan)
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - If using dried beans, soak overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse, then boil for 45–60 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside. If using canned, drain and rinse.
02 - Set oven to 350°F.
03 - In a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in pot. Omit this step for vegetarian or vegan versions.
04 - Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
05 - Mix in tomato paste, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Add crushed tomatoes, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and water or vegetable broth. Stir thoroughly to integrate flavors.
07 - Fold in cooked or canned beans along with crisped bacon, if using. Blend gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
08 - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop.
09 - Cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
10 - Remove the lid during the last 15 minutes of baking to thicken the sauce if desired. Serve warm.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This recipe feels like sharing a secret with a friend who craves hearty comfort food without fuss
- The perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors made it an instant favorite at family dinners
02 -
- Don't rush soaking or cooking the beans; tender beans make all the difference in texture and flavor
- Molasses is a game changer here—the deep, rich sweetness balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly
03 -
- Using a Dutch oven retains moisture beautifully and lets flavors mingle as it bakes
- A splash of vinegar at the end brightens the whole dish and keeps it from feeling one-note