Slow-Baked Boston Beans with Molasses and Salt Pork

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-27 · Updated 2026-04-27

A traditional New England side dish featuring tender navy beans slow-baked in a rich molasses and brown sugar sauce with savory salt pork. This American-inspired comfort-food recipe, ready in about 375 minutes, pairs dry navy beans, water, salt pork for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Ingredients

• 1 lb dry navy beans
• 6 cups water
• 6 oz, diced salt pork
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 1/4 tsp baking soda

Dutch ovens worth buying for low-and-slow cooking → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 lb dry navy beans and soak them overnight in a large bowl with 6 cups cold water and 1/4 tsp baking soda to soften and reduce cooking time.
2. Step 2: Drain beans and transfer to a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven. Add 6 cups fresh water, 6 oz diced salt pork, 1 medium finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup molasses, 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
3. Step 3: Stir ingredients gently to combine, cover the pot with a lid or foil, and preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
4. Step 4: Bake the beans uncovered for 6 hours, checking occasionally to stir and add more water if the beans appear dry; the beans should be tender and the sauce thick and syrupy.
5. Step 5: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm as a hearty side dish that pairs well with roasted meats or vegetables.