Memphis-Style BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon and Molasses

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich, smoky baked beans slow-simmered with bacon, molasses, and a hint of mustard, capturing the soul of Memphis barbecue sides. This southern-inspired latin american ready in about 135 minutes pairs dried navy beans, bacon, chopped, yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Southern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 lb dried navy beans and soak in cold water overnight, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, cook 6 slices chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp and fat is rendered, about 7 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the bacon fat and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/3 cup molasses, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Add the soaked beans and 4 cups water to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 2 hours until beans are tender and sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm as a hearty complement to barbecue dishes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Memphis-Style BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon and Molasses take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Memphis-Style BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon and Molasses?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep dried navy beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Memphis-Style BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon and Molasses?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Memphis-Style BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon and Molasses for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Memphis-Style BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon and Molasses?

Southern latin american like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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