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Spicy Boston Baked Beans Recipe

Spicy Boston baked beans are a dish steeped in history, inspired by the grit and ingenuity of the American frontier. The smoky heat of Hatch chiles and the richness of bacon breathe new life into a classic, offering a nod to the Wild West while satisfying modern palates. As you savor this dish, you’re tasting more than just beans—you’re experiencing the enduring spirit of a time when every meal was hard-earned and deeply appreciated.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes

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IngredientsMethodVideoNotes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients (Serves 2-3):
  • 1 15 oz can navy beans, drained and rinsed (or 1 1/2 cups cooked dried beans)
  • 3 slices thick-cut bacon diced
  • 1/3 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon green chile salsa adjust for heat preference
  • 1 teaspoon brown mustard
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

Cook the Bacon:

  1. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet (discard the rest or save for another use).

Make the Sauce:

  1. Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the tomato sauce, molasses, brown sugar, green chile salsa, brown mustard, butter, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Add the Beans and Bacon:

  1. Add the drained navy beans to the skillet, along with the cooked bacon. Stir gently to coat the beans evenly in the sauce.

Simmer and Bake:

  1. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the sauce to thicken and develop a rich, caramelized flavor. Add to oven at 350 for 10 minutes to finish the dish.

Serve:

  1. Serve warm directly from the skillet with cornbread or a crusty loaf of bread for a hearty, flavorful meal.

Video

Notes

  • Adjusting Spice Level: Add more green chile salsa or a dash of cayenne for extra heat, or keep it mild by using a milder salsa.
 
  • Make it Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and sauté the onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter instead.
 
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.