Heart-Healthy Boston Baked Beans

Savor the rich, smoky sweetness of these **Heart-Healthy Boston Baked Beans**, a lighter twist on the classic comfort food. This recipe swaps traditional ingredients with smarter choices like **unsweetened apple juice**, **low-sodium vegetable broth**, and a hint of **molasses** for a depth of flavor that's big on taste but easy on sodium and sugar. Tender navy beans are baked low and slow with a flavorful medley of **smoked paprika**, **Dijon mustard**, and a touch of **apple cider vinegar**, creating a luscious, mouthwatering dish that pairs perfectly with grilled vegetables or whole-grain bread. Perfect as a wholesome side or a satisfying plant-based main course, this recipe is a nutritious, high-fiber option that's as comforting as it is heart-conscious.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:270 mins

Total Time:285 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried navy beans
• 6 cups water
• 1 cup unsweetened apple juice
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the navy beans under cold water and remove any debris. Place the beans in a large pot or bowl and cover them with the 6 cups of water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.

Step 2

Drain and rinse the beans well. Transfer them to a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

Step 4

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the apple juice, vegetable broth, tomato paste, molasses, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Mix until smooth.

Step 5

Pour the liquid mixture over the beans in the pot. Stir to ensure the beans are well coated with the mixture.

Step 6

Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add a little more water or vegetable broth if the beans begin to look dry.

Step 7

Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning with more pepper or a dash of vinegar if desired.

Step 8

Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy as a hearty main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2398 grams (2398.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1615

Total Fat 9.90g	13%
Saturated Fat 1.30g	7%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 591mg	26%
Total Carbohydrate 300.20g	109%
Dietary Fiber 64.80g	231%
Total Sugars 51.50g
Protein 92.30g	185%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 781mg	60%
Iron 24mg	131%
Potassium 6807mg	145%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 5.4%

Protein: 22.3%

Carbs: 72.4%