Canadian Grandma Brown’s Classic Baked Beans
Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans Recipe (copycat) is a hearty dish that warms both the stomach and the heart. This classic comfort food has been loved for generations, boasting a rich, smoky flavour that reminds us of simple, cozy family gatherings. With its blend of sweet and tangy elements, this recipe highlights just how delightful baked beans can be. You’ll find that this dish is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or simply as a comforting side for your weeknight dinners.
Gather Your Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans Ingredients
To recreate this heartwarming dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 450 g dried navy beans
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1.4 litres water (for soaking)
- 1 litre water or as needed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 110 g turkey bacon, chopped
- 65 g dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 bay leaf
- 45 ml molasses
- 45 ml yellow mustard
- 45 ml ketchup
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Step-by-Step Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans Recipe
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Prepare the Beans: Begin by rinsing the dried navy beans under cold water. In a large bowl, combine the beans with 1.4 litres of water and the baking soda. Let them soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
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Cook the Beans: Once soaked, drain the beans and rinse them again. In a large pot, cover the beans with 1 litre of fresh water and add the salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes until they are just tender.
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Sauté the Onion and Bacon: In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until it’s browned. Add the diced onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent.
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Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beans, sautéed onion and bacon, brown sugar, bay leaf, molasses, mustard, ketchup, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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Bake the Beans: Pour the bean mixture into a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F). Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake for about 2 to 3 hours, checking occasionally to make sure it’s not too dry. If necessary, add a little more water.
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Final Touch: After baking, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let the beans sit for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans
Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans are fantastic on their own or served alongside your favourite main dishes. These beans shine as a side dish with grilled sausages, burgers, or barbecued chicken. For a comforting meal, you might also consider pairing them with cornbread and a fresh green salad. When serving, consider using a rustic bowl to enhance the homey feel of this delightful dish.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make It Creamy: For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the baked beans before serving, creating a lovely consistency.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favourite spices to give the beans an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Version: If you’d like to keep it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water for a deeper flavour.
Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans FAQs
Can I use canned beans instead?
Yes, you can use canned navy beans to save time. Just drain and rinse them, and skip the soaking and cooking steps. You can combine them directly with the other ingredients and bake.
How long can I store the leftovers?
Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. They can also be reheated in the oven or on the stovetop.
Can I freeze these baked beans?
Absolutely! Freeze them in individual portions or in a large container. They will keep well for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
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Give this delightful Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans Recipe (copycat) a try, and experience the comforting flavours that tie us to family traditions. Happy cooking!
Grandma Brown's Baked Beans
Ingredients
Beans Preparation
- 450 g dried navy beans Rinse and soak overnight.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps soften the beans.
- 1400 ml water For soaking the beans.
- 1000 ml water For cooking the beans.
- 1 teaspoon salt To season the beans while cooking.
Flavor Base
- 1 medium onion, finely diced Adds sweetness and flavor.
- 110 g turkey bacon, chopped Can be substituted for regular bacon.
Sauce Mixture
- 65 g dark brown sugar, packed Provides sweetness and depth.
- 45 ml molasses Contributes to the rich flavor.
- 45 ml yellow mustard Adds tanginess.
- 45 ml ketchup For sweetness and flavor balance.
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning.
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika Enhances flavor with a smoky touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the dried navy beans under cold water. In a large bowl, combine the beans with 1.4 liters of water and the baking soda. Let them soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
Cooking Beans
- Once soaked, drain the beans and rinse them again. In a large pot, cover the beans with 1 liter of fresh water and add the salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes until they are just tender.
Sautéing
- In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until it's browned. Add the diced onion and sauté until it's soft and translucent.
Mixing Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beans, sautéed onion and bacon, brown sugar, bay leaf, molasses, mustard, ketchup, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Baking
- Pour the bean mixture into a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F). Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake for about 2 to 3 hours, checking occasionally to make sure it’s not too dry. If necessary, add a little more water.
Final Touch
- After baking, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let the beans sit for a few minutes before serving.
