Baked Beans Tomato Molasses (Printable)

Tender beans slow-baked in rich, smoky tomato sauce with molasses and spices

# Components:

→ Beans

01 - 17.5 oz (about 2½ cups) dried navy beans (or 3 x 14 oz cans, drained and rinsed)

→ Sauce

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
05 - ¼ cup molasses or dark treacle
06 - 3 tbsp brown sugar
07 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
08 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
09 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
10 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
11 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
12 - 1 tsp salt
13 - 1 cup water
14 - 2 tbsp olive oil

# Steps:

01 - If using dried beans, soak overnight in plenty of cold water, then drain. Place in a large pot, cover with fresh water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 1 hour or until tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.
02 - Preheat oven to 325°F.
03 - In a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
04 - Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute to develop flavors.
05 - Add crushed tomatoes, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, salt, and water. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
06 - Stir in the beans, ensuring they are well coated in sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.
07 - Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Bake for 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thick and beans are tender.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot as a side dish or breakfast accompaniment.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The house smells incredible while these cook, like someone decided comfort should have a scent
  • They reheat beautifully for days, meaning you cooked once but eat like a king all week
02 -
  • The sauce will look too thin when it first goes into the oven, but it thickens perfectly as it bakes, so do not be tempted to reduce it on the stove first
  • Stirring every 30 minutes prevents the beans on bottom from getting too dark or sticking
03 -
  • Use a heavy Dutch oven if you have one, the heat distribution makes a difference in how evenly the beans cook
  • Adding bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives in the first 30 minutes of baking adds a smoky depth everyone notices but cannot quite identify
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