Spiced Dark Rum and Molasses Baked Beans

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

Slow-baked beans infused with the deep flavors of dark rum and molasses, accented by warm spices for a comforting side dish. This caribbean-inspired slow cooker ready in about 160 minutes pairs dried navy beans, dark rum, molasses for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried navy beans and soak in cold water overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Step 2: Preheat oven to 325°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, 3 tbsp molasses, 1/4 cup dark rum, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Add the soaked beans and 3 cups water to the pot. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a simmer on the stovetop, then cover and transfer the pot to the oven. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours until the beans are tender and the sauce thickens, stirring halfway through.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving warm as a hearty side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Dark Rum and Molasses Baked Beans take to make?

Total time is about 160 minutes (10 min prep + 150 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 Spiced Dark Rum and Molasses Baked Beans?

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 Spiced Dark Rum and Molasses Baked Beans?

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 Spiced Dark Rum and Molasses Baked Beans 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 Spiced Dark Rum and Molasses Baked Beans?

Caribbean 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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