Southern Baked Beans with Spice

This Southern Baked Beans recipe combines the traditional sweetness of brown sugar and molasses with a creative kick of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. The result is a rich, hearty dish that balances sweet and spicy flavors beautifully. Perfect as a side dish for barbecues or family gatherings, these beans are packed with protein and fiber, making them a wholesome choice for any meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) of navy beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup of diced onion
• 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper (red or green)
• 1/2 cup of ketchup
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of molasses
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon of mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the navy beans, cooked onion and bell pepper, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, mustard powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
4. Transfer the bean mixture to a greased baking dish.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
7. Serve warm as a side dish.