Oven Baked Beans for 2

Perfectly portioned for two, this Oven Baked Beans recipe is a deliciously comforting dish bursting with rich, smoky flavors. Featuring tender navy or cannellini beans enveloped in a tangy-sweet sauce made from ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, and a hint of Dijon mustard, this classic dish gets an irresistible depth from crispy bacon and sautéed onions. Smoked paprika adds a subtle, earthy smokiness, while a touch of apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness with a gentle tang. Baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet, the sauce thickens and caramelizes for a luscious, homestyle finish. Ready in just over an hour, it’s ideal as a cozy side dish or a hearty main served with crusty bread. Perfect for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or rustic brunches, this recipe is sure to become a two-person favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup canned navy beans (or cannellini beans)
• 2 slices bacon slices
• 0.5 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Rinse and drain the navy beans (or cannellini beans) if using canned beans, and set them aside.

Step 3

In a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until they are crispy. Remove the bacon, let it cool slightly, then chop into small pieces. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and water. Stir well to make a smooth sauce.

Step 6

Add the rinsed beans back into the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir in the sauce until all the beans are well-coated. Add the chopped bacon pieces and mix gently to combine.

Step 7

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes, stirring halfway through. The sauce should thicken and slightly caramelize by the end of the cooking time.

Step 8

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 9

Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy on its own with a slice of crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	517.7 grams (517.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	508

Total Fat 9.70g	12%
Saturated Fat 2.70g	14%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 18mg	6%
Sodium 1606mg	70%
Total Carbohydrate 92.40g	34%
Dietary Fiber 13.50g	48%
Total Sugars 47.30g
Protein 19.20g	38%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 209mg	16%
Iron 6mg	33%
Potassium 1245mg	26%

*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: 16.4%

Protein: 14.4%

Carbs: 69.3%