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Cozy Classic Southern Baked Beans with Smoky Sausage

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A hearty and soulful Southern baked beans recipe featuring smoky sausage, molasses, and spices, perfect as a comforting side dish or main meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried navy beans
  • 12 ounces smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound of dried navy beans under cold water. Place them in a large bowl or pot and cover with at least 3 inches of cold water. Soak overnight (8-12 hours) or quick soak by boiling for 5 minutes and soaking for 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans before cooking.
  2. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  3. In a Dutch oven or large ovenproof pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add sliced smoked sausage and sauté until just browned, about 4-5 minutes.
  6. Drain soaked beans and add to the pot. Pour in water or chicken broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine.
  7. Stir in molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop over medium heat.
  9. Cover the pot with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Notes

If using canned navy beans, reduce baking time to 30-40 minutes. For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Adjust sweetness and tanginess by tasting before baking and adding more brown sugar, molasses, or vinegar as desired. Stir halfway through baking to prevent sticking. If sauce is too thick after baking, add a few tablespoons of water or broth; if too thin, reduce uncovered on stovetop.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, southern baked beans, smoky sausage, comfort food, navy beans, easy side dish, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/cozy-classic-southern-baked-beans-with-smoky-sausage-easy-recipe/