Smoky Chipotle Baked Beans

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 3 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Smoky Chipotle Baked Beans bring a delightful twist to a classic comfort dish. With a rich and spicy flavor, these beans are perfect for cozy dinners or summer barbecues. Dive into this recipe and discover the magic of smoky, sweet, and spicy all in one pot.

Ingredients for Smoky Chipotle Baked Beans

The heart of this dish is the humble navy beans, known for their creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors beautifully. Onion and garlic provide a savory base, while molasses adds a deep, rich sweetness. The tomato paste binds everything with a hint of umami. The stars of the show, however, are the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, bringing a smoky heat that sets this recipe apart. The Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce add layers of tangy complexity, and a touch of smoked paprika enhances the smoky undertones. Finally, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper round out the seasoning, while olive oil helps meld all the flavors together.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a quicker version, use canned navy beans, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chipotle peppers to suit your taste.
  • Prepare this dish a day ahead; the flavors deepen overnight.
  • For a vegetarian version, ensure the Worcestershire sauce is veggie-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

These Smoky Chipotle Baked Beans make a perfect side dish for grilled meats or a hearty main course with a slice of cornbread. For a summer BBQ, pair them with coleslaw and grilled sausages. During colder months, serve them alongside roasted vegetables for a comforting meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, after sautéing the onions and garlic, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
What can I use instead of navy beans?
Great Northern beans or cannellini beans are good substitutes if navy beans are unavailable.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave.

Smoky Chipotle Baked Beans Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This will give your beans a warm, cozy environment to soak up all those delicious flavors. Next, rinse and sort your navy beans, placing them in a large pot. Cover them with water, ensuring at least a 2-inch buffer above the beans, and bring to a boil. Let them boil for about 2 minutes to awaken their flavors, then remove from heat, cover, and allow them to rest for an hour. This quick soak method is a great time-saver.

Once the beans have soaked, drain and rinse them well. Set them aside for now. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.

Now, it's time to add the bold flavors. Stir in the tomato paste, molasses, minced chipotle peppers, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so that the onions and garlic are well-coated in this flavorful mixture.

Introduce the drained navy beans back into the pot, along with 6 cups of fresh water. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let it bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cook allows the beans to tenderize while soaking up the rich sauce. If the mixture becomes too thick at any point, add a splash more water to achieve your desired consistency.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients with complex flavors.
  • Perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy.
  • Ideal for meal prep — tastes even better the next day.
  • Great for gatherings or family dinners.
  • Can be customized to suit different spice preferences.

Ingredients

2 cups dried navy beans
6 cups water
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Rinse and sort the navy beans, then place them in a large pot. Add water to cover the beans by at least 2 inches and bring to a boil. Let them boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.
3. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans. Set aside.
4. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Stir in the tomato paste, molasses, chipotle peppers, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly.
6. Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot, along with 6 cups of fresh water. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
7. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.
8. If the mixture becomes too thick during baking, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!