Slow-Baked Boston Baked Beans with Molasses and Salt Pork

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet and savory Boston baked beans slow-cooked with molasses and salt pork for deep, rich flavor and tender beans. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 255 minutes pairs dried navy beans, water, salt pork, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, 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.

★ 4.5 (36 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves 8 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 lb dried navy beans and soak in 6 cups cold water overnight or for at least 8 hours, then drain and rinse again.
  2. Step 2: Preheat oven to 300°F. In a large ovenproof pot, combine soaked beans, 6 oz diced salt pork, and 1 cup chopped yellow onion.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup blackstrap molasses, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp dry mustard powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp ketchup, and 1 cup water; pour this mixture over the beans.
  4. Step 4: Cover pot with lid or foil and bake for 4 hours, stirring every hour and adding water if beans appear too dry, until beans are tender and sauce is thickened.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm with crusty bread or as a side to your favorite New England meal.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Baked Boston Baked Beans with Molasses and Salt Pork take to make?

Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 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 Slow-Baked Boston Baked Beans with Molasses and Salt Pork?

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 Slow-Baked Boston Baked Beans with Molasses and Salt Pork?

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 Slow-Baked Boston Baked Beans with Molasses and Salt Pork for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Slow-Baked Boston Baked Beans with Molasses and Salt Pork?

American slow cooker 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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