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A rustic black cast iron skillet filled with Baked Beans With Bacon showing a bubbling amber-brown sauce and scallion garnish.

Baked Beans With Bacon: The Ultimate Smokey Skillet Recipe

This Baked Beans With Bacon recipe features plump navy beans in a thick, glossy amber sauce. Topped with crispy charred bacon and fresh scallions, it is the perfect smokey side dish for any BBQ or family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Skillet Baked Beans Ingredients
  • 3 cans (15oz/425g) Navy Beans Rinsed and drained
  • 8 oz (225g) Thick-cut Bacon Chopped into pieces
  • 1 cup (240ml) Ketchup
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) Dark Molasses
  • 1/3 cup (75g) Brown Sugar Packed
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tsp (5g) Dry Mustard Powder
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Finely diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 3 stalks Green Scallions Finely minced for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 12-Inch Cast-Iron Skillet Essential for even heating and presentation.
  • 1 Chef's Knife For finely mincing scallions.

Method
 

Prep and Render
  1. In a cold 12-inch cast iron skillet, add chopped bacon. Turn heat to medium and cook until crispy and golden-brown. Remove half the bacon and set aside for topping.
  2. In the remaining bacon fat, sauté the diced onion for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Bake
  1. Stir in ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and mustard powder. Add the rinsed navy beans and stir until completely coated in the amber sauce.
  2. Scatter the reserved crispy bacon over the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes until the sauce is thick and bubbling.
  3. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with finely minced green scallions before serving.

Notes

Rinse your beans thoroughly to ensure a glossy sauce texture.
Use thick-cut bacon for a better 'bite' after baking.