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Protein-Packed Baked Beans Recipe with Lean Bacon

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A hearty and protein-rich baked beans recipe featuring lean bacon for a smoky, satisfying flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (270g) dry navy beans, soaked overnight
  • 6 slices lean bacon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 1/2 cups (270g) dry navy beans and soak them overnight in cold water, covering by 2 inches. Skip if using canned beans.
  2. In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook 6 slices of lean bacon until crispy but not burnt, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon onto paper towels, leaving rendered fat in the pot.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed. Toss in 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to combine and deepen flavors.
  5. Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot along with 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  6. Cover partially with a lid and let the beans simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or water if the mixture becomes too thick. The beans should be tender but intact.
  7. Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it back into the pot. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let it cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly.
  8. Spoon into bowls and serve warm.

Notes

If beans aren’t softening after 1.5 hours, add a pinch of baking soda to help break them down. Avoid stirring too vigorously to prevent mashing. For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika and liquid smoke. Slow cooker option: brown bacon and veggies first, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, lean bacon, protein-packed, hearty meal, easy dinner, navy beans, smoky flavor

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/protein-packed-baked-beans-recipe-with-lean-bacon-easy-hearty-meal/