Ultimate Skillet Baked Beans: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe

Baked beans are a classic comfort food, perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a cozy night in. This recipe takes the traditional baked beans to the next level by cooking them in a skillet, resulting in a rich, smoky, and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Using a skillet not only simplifies the cooking process but also allows for even heat distribution, ensuring that every bean is perfectly cooked and coated in delicious sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this skillet baked beans recipe is easy to follow and yields incredible results.

## Why Skillet Baked Beans?

Why choose a skillet over a traditional baking dish for your baked beans? Here are a few compelling reasons:

* **Enhanced Flavor:** The skillet’s even heat distribution allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a deeper, more complex taste profile.
* **Simplified Cooking:** No need to transfer the beans from stovetop to oven. The skillet allows you to cook everything in one pan.
* **Crispy Top (Optional):** If you desire a slightly crispy top, the skillet makes it easy to achieve this by placing it under the broiler for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
* **Visual Appeal:** Serving baked beans in a skillet adds a rustic and charming touch to your table.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to create these delectable skillet baked beans:

* **Dried Navy Beans:** 1 pound (about 2 cups). Navy beans are the traditional choice for baked beans, but you can also use Great Northern or pinto beans.
* **Bacon:** 8 ounces, chopped. Bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the beans. You can substitute with salt pork or pancetta.
* **Onion:** 1 large, chopped. Onion provides a foundational aromatic base for the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and flavorful kick.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/2 cup, packed. Brown sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the rich, molasses-like flavor of baked beans.
* **Molasses:** 1/4 cup. Molasses is a key ingredient in baked beans, providing a distinctive sweetness and depth of flavor.
* **Ketchup:** 1/2 cup. Ketchup adds a tangy and sweet element to the sauce.
* **Yellow Mustard:** 2 tablespoons. Mustard adds a subtle tang and acidity that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons. Vinegar adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the beans.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon. Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami flavor.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste. Pepper adds a touch of spice.
* **Water:** Approximately 6-8 cups, for soaking and cooking the beans.
* **Optional:** 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (any color) for added flavor and texture.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect skillet baked beans:

**Step 1: Soak the Beans**

* Place the dried navy beans in a large bowl or pot.
* Cover the beans with plenty of cold water (about 6-8 cups). Ensure the water level is at least 2 inches above the beans, as they will expand during soaking.
* Soak the beans for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This step helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time. You can also use the quick-soak method: bring the beans and water to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes, remove from heat, and let them soak for 1 hour.
* After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them thoroughly with fresh water.

**Step 2: Cook the Bacon**

* Place the chopped bacon in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium heat.
* Cook the bacon until it is crispy and the fat has rendered. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
* Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease if there is an excessive amount; discard the rest.

**Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics**

* Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon grease.
* Cook the onion over medium heat until it is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
* If using bell pepper, add it along with the onion and cook until softened.

**Step 4: Combine the Ingredients**

* Add the drained and rinsed navy beans to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic.
* Stir in the brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
* Season with salt and black pepper.
* Add the cooked bacon to the skillet.

**Step 5: Add Water and Simmer**

* Add enough water to the skillet to just cover the beans. You may need about 4-6 cups of water, depending on the size of your skillet.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
* Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet (either with a lid or aluminum foil), and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add more water if necessary to keep the beans covered.

**Step 6: Check for Doneness and Adjust Seasoning**

* After 2 hours, check the beans for doneness. They should be tender and easily mashed with a fork.
* If the beans are not tender enough, continue to cook them for another 30-60 minutes, or until they reach the desired consistency.
* Taste the baked beans and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, brown sugar, or molasses to suit your preferences.

**Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)**

* If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by removing the lid from the skillet and simmering the beans for another 15-30 minutes, allowing the excess liquid to evaporate. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
* Alternatively, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering beans and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

**Step 8: Broil for a Crispy Top (Optional)**

* If you desire a crispy top, preheat your broiler.
* Remove the skillet from the stovetop and place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

**Step 9: Serve and Enjoy**

* Remove the skillet from the oven (if broiling) and let the baked beans cool slightly before serving.
* Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
* Serve the skillet baked beans hot as a side dish with your favorite barbecue, grilled meats, or sandwiches.

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the skillet for a touch of heat.
* **Add more vegetables:** Include chopped carrots, celery, or green bell pepper for added flavor and nutrition.
* **Use different beans:** Experiment with different types of beans, such as Great Northern, pinto, or kidney beans.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Add maple syrup:** Substitute some of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After sautéing the bacon, onion, and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
* **Smoked Meat:** For a deeper smoky flavor, add smoked ham hock or smoked sausage to the beans while they simmer.
* **Bourbon Infusion:** A splash of bourbon (about 2 tablespoons) added in the last 30 minutes of cooking enhances the flavors beautifully.

## Serving Suggestions

Skillet baked beans are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Barbecue:** Serve alongside grilled ribs, pulled pork, brisket, or chicken.
* **Sandwiches:** Use as a side dish for burgers, hot dogs, or pulled pork sandwiches.
* **Breakfast:** Enjoy with eggs, bacon, and toast for a hearty breakfast.
* **Potlucks:** Bring a skillet of baked beans to your next potluck or gathering.
* **Campfire Cooking:** This recipe can easily be adapted for campfire cooking. Use a cast iron Dutch oven and cook over hot coals.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Leftover skillet baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the baked beans in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** Baked beans can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes (plus 8 hours soaking)
**Cook time:** 2-3 hours

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound (2 cups) dried navy beans
* 8 ounces bacon, chopped
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/4 cup molasses
* 1/2 cup ketchup
* 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 6-8 cups water
* Optional: 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper

**Instructions:**

1. Soak the navy beans in cold water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse.
2. Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Sauté onion in the bacon grease until softened, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add bell pepper if using.
4. Add drained beans, brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
5. Stir in the cooked bacon.
6. Add enough water to cover the beans. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally and add water if needed.
7. Check for doneness and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. (Optional) Thicken sauce by simmering uncovered or adding a cornstarch slurry.
9. (Optional) Broil for a crispy top.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!

Enjoy this delicious and easy skillet baked beans recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect addition to any meal. This recipe brings together smoky bacon, sweet molasses, and tangy vinegar to create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or a cozy winter dinner, these skillet baked beans are sure to be a hit. The simplicity of using a skillet makes the cooking process streamlined and efficient, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal preparation. The rich, savory, and slightly sweet profile of these beans makes them an ideal accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, and even breakfast dishes. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations suggested to customize the recipe to your liking and create a dish that perfectly suits your palate. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its versatility and adaptability. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure that will result in a truly unforgettable skillet baked beans experience. The blend of textures, from the tender beans to the crispy bacon, adds another layer of enjoyment to each bite. The aroma that fills your kitchen as these beans simmer is simply irresistible, and the anticipation of the final product will surely make your mouth water. With each spoonful, you’ll discover new nuances and depths of flavor that will keep you coming back for more. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to fire up your skillet and create a batch of these ultimate skillet baked beans that will leave everyone wanting more. Bon appétit!
Remember to adjust the cooking time according to the type and age of your beans, as some beans may require a longer cooking period to achieve the desired tenderness. The key is to check them regularly and add more water as needed to prevent them from drying out. Also, feel free to add other ingredients that you think might complement the flavors, such as diced ham, chopped sausage, or even a splash of your favorite hot sauce for a touch of heat. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination. So don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. After all, cooking is all about experimentation and having fun in the kitchen. And with this skillet baked beans recipe, you’re sure to have a blast while creating a dish that will be loved by all. So go ahead, embrace your inner chef, and let the flavors guide you to culinary perfection. These skillet baked beans are not just a side dish; they’re an experience, a celebration of flavors and textures that will elevate any meal to a whole new level. So get ready to savor each and every bite and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy cooking!