There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of Bush’s Baked Beans, whether you’re enjoying them as a side at a barbecue or adding them to your favorite recipes. I’ve always loved how their rich, savory flavor can elevate any meal, and I wanted to bring that same magic into my kitchen.
Creating this copycat recipe is simpler than you might think, and it allows you to customize the beans to your taste. Whether you prefer them sweeter, smokier, or with a bit more kick, this homemade version lets you tweak the flavors just the way you like. Plus, cooking them from scratch means you can enjoy all-natural ingredients without any preservatives.
Join me as we dive into making these delicious baked beans together. It’s a rewarding process that results in a hearty, flavorful dish your family will adore every time.
Ingredients
- 4 cups dried navy beans, soaked overnight
- 1/2 pound bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
Equipment
To master my copycat Bush’s Baked Beans, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Perfect for soaking and simmering the beans evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients to balance the flavors.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Needed for finely dicing onions and bacon.
- Colander: For thoroughly rinsing the navy beans before cooking.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the beans during the cooking process.
- Mixing Bowl: Useful for combining sauce ingredients before adding them to the beans.
- Oven or Stovetop: Depending on your preferred cooking method, you’ll need one of these heat sources.
- Lid or Aluminum Foil: To cover the pot while baking the beans in the oven.
- Timer: Helps keep track of cooking times to ensure perfectly tender beans.
Having these tools ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on creating delicious baked beans that rival the original Bush’s recipe.
Directions
Creating the perfect batch of baked beans is both rewarding and delicious. Follow these steps to replicate Bush’s classic flavor right in your kitchen.
Prep
- Soak the Beans: Rinse 4 cups of dried navy beans under cold water. Place them in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water. Let the beans soak overnight or use the quick soak method by boiling them for 5 minutes, then letting them sit for an hour.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice 1 cup of bacon into small pieces. Finely chop one medium onion. Measure out 1/2 cup molasses, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Prepare 3 cups of water or vegetable broth.
- Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until well blended.
Cook
- Cook the Bacon: In your large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Beans and Sauce: Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot. Pour in the prepared sauce and 3 cups of water or vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bake the Beans: Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake the beans for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish and Serve: Once the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the reserved bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm as a hearty side dish.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing these delicious baked beans ahead of time can save you valuable time on the day you plan to serve them. Here’s how I like to streamline the process:
Soak the Beans Early
- Choose Your Soaking Method
- Overnight Soak: Cover 4 cups of dried navy beans with water in a large pot. Let them soak overnight, about 8 hours.
- Quick Soak: Bring the beans and water to a boil. Let them boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let them sit for 1 hour.
- Drain and Rinse
- After soaking, drain the beans using a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
Prepare the Sauce in Advance
- Combine Sauce Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup molasses, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Store the Sauce
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Pre-Cook Bacon and Sauté Onions
- Cook the Bacon
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, fry the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Onions
- Add 1 large diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Let the bacon and sautéed onions cool, then store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Assemble and Refrigerate
- Combine Ingredients
- In your prepared pot, combine the soaked beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onions, and the prepared sauce.
- Store the Mixture
- Cover the pot with a lid or transfer the mixture to a large airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
Freezing for Longer Storage
| Step | Storage Duration |
|---|---|
| Assembled Bean Mixture | Up to 3 months in freezer |
| Cooked Bacon | Up to 3 months in freezer |
| Prepared Sauce | Up to 3 months in freezer |
Baking from Make-Ahead
- Thaw if Frozen
- If frozen, transfer the bean mixture to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
- Bake the Beans
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake for 2 to 3 hours until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
By following these make-ahead steps, you can effortlessly serve flavorful Bush’s Baked Beans Copycat at your next gathering with minimal effort on the day of your event.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve perfected my Bush’s Baked Beans Copycat Recipe, you’ll want to serve them in ways that highlight their rich, smoky flavor. Here are some of my favorite serving ideas:
Classic BBQ Side
Pair your baked beans with traditional barbecue staples like grilled steaks, pulled pork, or crispy ribs. The sweetness and smokiness of the beans complement the savory, charred flavors of grilled meats perfectly.
Hearty Breakfast
Start your day with a robust breakfast by serving baked beans alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and toasted English muffins. This combination provides a balanced mix of protein and carbs to keep you energized.
Vegetarian Feast
For a meatless meal, serve the baked beans with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and portobello mushrooms. Add a side of cornbread to complete the hearty, satisfying dish.
Picnic Perfect
Pack the baked beans in a mason jar or airtight container for an easy and delicious addition to your picnic spread. They go wonderfully with sandwiches, fresh salads, and potato chips.
Gourmet Touch
Elevate your baked beans by topping them with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives. A drizzle of high-quality barbecue sauce or a sprinkle of smoked cheese can add an extra layer of flavor and make your dish look restaurant-worthy.
Comfort Food Combo
Create a comforting meal by serving the beans with mashed potatoes or creamy macaroni and cheese. These classic comfort foods pair beautifully with the rich texture of baked beans.
Family BBQ
When hosting a family barbecue, place a large pot of baked beans on the buffet table. They’re easy to serve and loved by both kids and adults, making them a crowd-pleasing addition to any outdoor gathering.
Tex-Mex Twist
Give your baked beans a Tex-Mex flair by adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a handful of sliced jalapeños. Serve them alongside tacos, nachos, or fajitas for a fusion of flavors.
Conclusion
Making Bush’s Baked Beans at home has been such a rewarding journey for me. I love how easy it is to tweak the flavors to match my mood, whether I’m craving something sweet or a bit spicy. Using fresh ingredients really makes a difference and knowing exactly what’s in my beans gives me peace of mind. I’ve enjoyed sharing this recipe with family and friends, and seeing everyone savoring each bite is the best part. Whether you’re prepping ahead for a big event or whipping up a quick side dish, this copycat recipe has you covered. I hope you find as much joy in cooking and enjoying these beans as I do. Happy cooking!
