Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce (Printable Version)

Tender beans simmered in sweet-savory tomato sauce with molasses and smoked paprika

# What You'll Need:

→ Beans

01 - 1 lb dried navy beans or 3 cans (14 oz each) navy 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 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 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
12 - 1 tsp salt
13 - 1 cup water
14 - 2 tbsp olive oil

# How To Make It:

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 until combined.
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.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The balance of sweet molasses and tangy tomatoes creates layers of flavor that develop beautifully over hours
  • These beans taste even better the next day, making them perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd
02 -
  • The sauce will continue thickening as it cools, so dont worry if it seems slightly looser than you want when it first comes out of the oven
  • Dried beans really do make a difference in texture, becoming creamier and absorbing more flavor than canned varieties ever could
03 -
  • Use a Dutch oven or heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid to maintain even moisture during the long baking time
  • Make these a day ahead and reheat gently—the flavors meld and deepen overnight, making them even better
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