Grandma Browns Baked Beans Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

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By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on March 13, 2023 | Last Updated on June 27, 2023

Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans recipe is a classic comfort food passed down through generations of family. This simple yet delicious dish has become a staple in many homes, from barbecues and potlucks to everyday meals. 

It’s easy to make and can be made ahead of time for those busy days when you need something quick and satisfying. With its sweet, tangy flavors and savory smokiness, this dish will delight everyone at the table. 

Whether you’re baking up these beans for a special occasion or just as part of an everyday meal, Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans are sure to please! So let’s get started on making this tasty treat! 

Grandma Browns Baked Beans Recipe

What is Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans recipe?

Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans recipe is an old-fashioned, slow-simmered dish that combines navy beans, ketchup, brown sugar and spices. The sweet and tangy flavors and the smokiness of bacon, make this classic comfort food a family favorite. It’s a great side dish or main course that can be served with just about anything!

Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans are rich in nutrients that can help support a healthy lifestyle. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese and niacin. 

Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans also contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy digestion. Plus, they’re low in fat and cholesterol-free!

I first got introduced to this recipe when I was a little girl. My grandmother made it for dinner every Sunday, quickly becoming a family favorite! So, I decided to carry on the tradition and share Grandma Brown’s recipe with you.

Enjoy a serving of these delicious baked beans as part of a balanced meal or snack to ensure you get all the essential nutrition your body needs. So go ahead and savor every bite – it’s good for you!

How to make Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans?

It is a simple recipe that requires soaking the beans for several hours, draining and rinsing them, then simmering them in a pot with water until tender. 

Once cooked, you need to combine the beans with the other ingredients in a large baking dish. You have to cook this dish in an oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour or until bubbly and golden brown.

You can also start by boiling the beans with baking soda after soaking the beans overnight. This helps remove some of the gas-causing effects of the beans. 

Feel free to add other herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, oregano and bay leaves for extra flavor. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and swap in vegetable broth instead of water.

For even more flavor in your beans, you can add some dry mustard, hot sauce, or even seasonings such as cumin or chili powder. You may also consider adding some diced tomatoes or tomato paste to the mixture just before baking. 

The possibilities are endless for Grandma’s Baked Beans, so have fun experimenting with new flavors! And remember – this recipe tastes best when served warm right out of the oven.

Grandma Browns Baked Beans Recipe pin

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Navy beans
  • 1 chopped onion (medium sized)
  • 1 tbsp of baking soda
  • 1 tbsp of salt
  • 3 ounces bacon( cooked)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • Water

Step by step instructions

Step 1 

To begin, make sure to thoroughly rinse the beans to eliminate any unwanted dirt.

Step 2 

Cover the beans in a pot with enough water to submerge them. Add one tablespoon of baking soda to the liquid. For a minimum of 10 minutes, boil the water with baking soda and switch off your heat source when finished. Make sure to cover the pot with its lid for the best results.

Step 3 

Allow the beans to steep overnight in this water, so they become tender and are ready for cooking.

Step 4 

Give the beans a thorough rinse, and then transfer them to your heat-resistant pot.

Step 5 

In the pot, mix the remaining ingredients, including the cooked bacon, chopped onion, brown sugar, salt, and bay leaf.

Step 6 

Carefully pour boiled water over the beans in the pot, ensuring they are fully submerged. Secure the lid onto the pot to ensure your meal cooks evenly.

Step 7 

Preheat your oven to 300°F.

Step 8 

Place the bowl with the bean mixture inside. Leave it there for more than 3 hours—ideally 4-5 hours. Make sure to open the oven door periodically and stir your beans to ensure even cooking.

Step 9

Once the beans are golden brown, you have your meal ready. Serve it hot. Enjoy your delicious homemade Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans! 

Taste of Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans

Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans are tender and flavorful, with a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar. The bacon and onions add an extra depth of flavor, while the bay leaf gives it an earthy aroma. 

All in all, Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans will leave your taste buds satisfied and eager for more.

What to serve with Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans?

Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans go great with a variety of side dishes. Some popular sides to serve with this dish are fresh cornbread, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans or collard greens. 

For an even heartier meal, you can also pair these delicious baked beans with grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops. And don’t forget the condiments! A dollop of your favorite BBQ sauce will make the meal unforgettable.

How to store leftover Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans?

You can store leftover Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

Alternatively, you can also freeze them in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container for up to six months. Be sure to label and date all your containers, so you know when they were made and what’s inside them.

You can also reheat this dish on the stove. Place the beans in a pot, add a little water, and heat over medium-low heat until warm.

Tips

– Always add enough liquid when cooking the beans – start with 2-3 cups of broth or water and increase if needed during cooking.

– If you’re using bacon, pre-cook it first, so it has time to release its flavor into the dish while baking.

– Cook the beans until they’re tender but not mushy; this will help ensure a great texture in the finished dish.

– Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving; this will help the flavors meld together.

Grandma Browns Baked Beans Recipe

Grandma Browns Baked Beans Recipe

Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans recipe is an old-fashioned, slow-simmered dish that combines navy beans, ketchup, brown sugar and spices. The sweet and tangy flavors and the smokiness of bacon, make this classic comfort food a family favorite. It’s a great side dish or main course that can be served with just about anything!
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Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 220kcal

Equipment

  • 1 pot

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Navy beans
  • 1 chopped onion (medium sized)
  • 1 tbsp of baking soda
  • 1 tbsp of salt
  • 3 ounces bacon ( cooked)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • Water

Instructions

  • To begin, make sure to thoroughly rinse the beans to eliminate any unwanted dirt.
  • Cover the beans in a pot with enough water to submerge them. Add one tablespoon of baking soda to the liquid. For a minimum of 10 minutes, boil the water with baking soda and switch off your heat source when finished. Make sure to cover the pot with its lid for the best results.
  • Allow the beans to steep overnight in this water, so they become tender and are ready for cooking.
  • Give the beans a thorough rinse, and then transfer them to your heat-resistant pot.
  • In the pot, mix the remaining ingredients, including the cooked bacon, chopped onion, brown sugar, salt, and bay leaf.
  • Carefully pour boiled water over the beans in the pot, ensuring they are fully submerged. Secure the lid onto the pot to ensure your meal cooks evenly.
  • Preheat your oven to 300°F.
  • Place the bowl with the bean mixture inside. Leave it there for more than 3 hours—ideally 4-5 hours. Make sure to open the oven door periodically and stir your beans to ensure even cooking.
  • Once the beans are golden brown, you have your meal ready. Serve it hot. Enjoy your delicious homemade Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans! 

Notes

– Always add enough liquid when cooking the beans – start with 2-3 cups of broth or water and increase if needed during cooking.
– If you’re using bacon, pre-cook it first, so it has time to release its flavor into the dish while baking.
– Cook the beans until they’re tender but not mushy; this will help ensure a great texture in the finished dish.
– Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving; this will help the flavors meld together.
Keyword: Grandma Browns Baked Beans, Grandma Browns Baked Beans Recipe

Nutrition Information

Amount per serving And % Daily Values

Serving: 6 people Calories: 220kcal| Carbohydrates: 40g| Protein: 9g| Fat: 1g| Fiber: 10g| Sugar: 6g| Iron: 4mg|

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Wrapping Up

Thanks for trying out Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans! This recipe is a classic and will surely bring nostalgic memories to those familiar with it. Get creative with the ingredients and add your own twist to this dish.

Please share your experience in the comments section below. Happy cooking!

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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more

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