We’ve always been fans of the comforting, hearty vibe that baked beans bring to the table, and our Randall Baked Beans recipe captures that classic appeal with a modern twist. It’s a staple from American kitchens, perfect for barbecues or weeknight meals, blending simple ingredients into something truly satisfying.
Originating from traditional New England fare, this dish offers rich flavors that feel both nostalgic and fresh. We’ll guide you through an easy process to create a homemade version that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
In our exploration of the Randall Baked Beans Recipe, we focus on sourcing high-quality ingredients that capture the dish’s hearty, comforting essence. These components blend to create a rich, savory-sweet profile perfect for family gatherings. We’ve organized the ingredients in the order they’re typically used, with precise measurements and prep notes for seamless preparation.
- Dried navy beans: 1 pound (rinsed and soaked overnight to ensure even cooking and a creamy texture)
- Thick-cut bacon: 8 ounces (chopped into ½-inch pieces for rendering flavorful fat first)
- Yellow onion: 1 large (diced finely to build a sweet, aromatic base)
- Garlic cloves: 4 (minced for adding a pungent, earthy depth right after the onions)
- Ketchup: 1 cup (for a tangy, tomato-rich sauce that ties everything together)
- Brown sugar: ½ cup (packed, to introduce a caramelized sweetness that balances the acidity)
- Molasses: ¼ cup (for its deep, smoky notes that evoke traditional New England flavors)
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons (to add a sharp tang and enhance the beans’ natural earthiness)
- Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon (for a subtle, spicy kick that rounds out the sauce)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper (to season to taste, adjusting based on bacon’s saltiness)
- Water or chicken broth: 4 cups (to cover the beans during baking, opting for broth for extra flavor)
This selection ensures our Randall Baked Beans Recipe delivers authentic, mouthwatering results every time.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Randall Baked Beans recipe seamlessly, we rely on a few key pieces of equipment that ensure efficiency and perfect results. Having the right tools on hand allows us to handle everything from soaking the beans to achieving that irresistible baked finish.
We recommend gathering these essentials, organized by their role in the process:
- Large Pot: A sturdy 6-quart pot for soaking and boiling the dried navy beans. This ensures even cooking and prevents overflow during the initial steps.
- Baking Dish: Use a 9×13-inch oven-safe dish or Dutch oven to bake the beans to golden perfection. Opt for one with a lid if possible, to lock in flavors during the long simmer.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: Essential for chopping the yellow onion and garlic. We suggest a sharp 8-inch knife for precise, quick cuts that enhance the dish’s texture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate 1-cup and 1-tablespoon sets to measure ingredients like brown sugar, molasses, and spices. Precision here is key to balancing the savory-sweet profile.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the mixture without scratching your pot or baking dish, ensuring the beans don’t stick during cooking.
- Colander: A fine-mesh version for draining soaked beans and rinsing them thoroughly, which helps remove any impurities.
- Oven and Timer: A standard oven preheated to 325°F for baking. Pair it with a reliable timer to monitor the 2-3 hour process, guaranteeing tender beans without overcooking.
By preparing these tools in advance, we set ourselves up for a smooth transition from ingredients to the actual cooking steps, making our homemade Randall Baked Beans a foolproof favorite.
Instructions
Let’s guide you through preparing our hearty Randall Baked Beans step by step, ensuring a savory blend of sweet and smoky flavors that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. With these precise instructions, we’ll transform simple ingredients into a comforting dish perfect for any gathering.
Prepare the Ingredients
First, we start by prepping our key ingredients to build the foundation of Randall Baked Beans. Begin with 1 pound of dried navy beans—rinse them under cold water in a colander to remove any debris, then soak them in a large pot with enough water to cover them by 2 inches; let them sit overnight or for at least 8 hours to achieve a tender texture.
Next, prepare the flavor base: Chop 1 large yellow onion into fine dice on a cutting board using a chef’s knife for even cooking. Mince 2 cloves of garlic to release their pungent aroma. Slice 6 slices of thick-cut bacon into 1-inch pieces, which will render rich, smoky fat. In a separate bowl, mix the sauce components—combine 1 cup of ketchup, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of molasses, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard until smooth, then season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper for a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
Cook the Beans
We move to cooking the beans to develop their creamy interior while infusing them with deep flavors. Drain the soaked navy beans in a colander and rinse them again. In a large pot, add the beans along with 4 cups of water or chicken broth—bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the beans are just tender but not mushy; this step ensures they absorb flavors without breaking down.
Once the beans are nearly ready, add the prepped bacon, onion, and garlic to the pot. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring frequently to let the bacon render its fat and the onions soften into a sweet, golden hue. The mixture will release a mouthwatering aroma of caramelizing sugars and savory garlic, creating a robust base that elevates the beans’ earthy taste.
Bake the Beans
Finally, we bake the beans to achieve that signature crispy top and melded flavors that make Randall Baked Beans unforgettable. Preheat your oven to 325°F as mentioned in our equipment section. Transfer the cooked bean mixture to a baking dish or Dutch oven, then pour the prepared sauce evenly over the top, stirring gently to coat everything.
Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake for 2 hours, uncovering for the last 30 minutes to allow the top to caramelize into a glossy, slightly crunchy layer. Stir halfway through for even cooking, and you’ll notice the beans soaking up the sauce to become irresistibly tender and flavorful, with a harmonious blend of sweetness from the brown sugar and molasses contrasting the bacon’s smokiness. Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to lock in the rich, comforting essence.
Make-Ahead and Storage
To maximize convenience with our Randall Baked Beans Recipe, we recommend preparing components in advance or storing leftovers properly to preserve that irresistible sweet-smoky flavor and tender texture.
Make-Ahead Tips
We love making this recipe ahead to save time on busy days. Start by soaking the dried navy beans overnight as outlined in the preparation steps—this can be done up to 24 hours in advance. Simply drain and rinse them before proceeding with cooking. You can also prep the flavor base by chopping the yellow onion, mincing the garlic, and slicing the thick-cut bacon up to a day ahead. Store these prepped ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and ready.
For even more efficiency, assemble the entire mixture after cooking the beans but before baking. Combine the tender beans with the bacon, onion, garlic, and sauce ingredients in your baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing that comforting, hearty essence. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, and proceed with baking as directed. This method ensures your Randall Baked Beans emerge from the oven with a perfectly crispy top and rich, nostalgic taste.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage helps maintain the dish’s savory-sweet profile and prevents waste. Once cooled to room temperature (within 2 hours of cooking for safety), transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 5 days | Store in the fridge at 40°F or below; reheat portions in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through to 165°F, to revive that warm, smoky aroma. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the oven at 325°F, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and that signature tender bite. |
Always use a food thermometer to ensure leftovers reach 165°F when reheating, keeping your Randall Baked Beans Recipe safe and delicious for enjoying later.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this Randall Baked Beans Recipe to bring warmth and flavor to your table every time. It’s more than a dish—it’s a way to create lasting memories with loved ones.
Trust us, with these simple steps you’ll nail that perfect balance of sweet and smoky goodness. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out—we’re confident it’ll become your go-to favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Randall Baked Beans recipe?
The Randall Baked Beans recipe is a comforting, hearty dish rooted in New England traditions. It features a savory-sweet blend of flavors with a modern twist, using ingredients like navy beans, bacon, and molasses. This easy homemade version is perfect for barbecues or weeknight dinners, delivering authentic taste that impresses family and friends.
What are the key ingredients for Randall Baked Beans?
Key ingredients include dried navy beans, thick-cut bacon, yellow onion, garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and water or chicken broth. These high-quality items create the dish’s signature sweet and smoky profile, ensuring rich, nostalgic flavors in every bite.
What equipment is needed to make Randall Baked Beans?
You’ll need a large pot, baking dish or Dutch oven, cutting board, chef’s knife, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or silicone spatula, colander, and an oven preheated to 325°F. Having these tools ready ensures a smooth preparation process for this foolproof recipe.
How do I prepare Randall Baked Beans step by step?
Start by soaking navy beans overnight. Cook them until tender in water or broth, then add chopped bacon, onion, and garlic to build flavors. Mix in the sauce ingredients and bake at 325°F until crispy on top. Let it rest before serving for the best sweet and smoky results.
Can I make Randall Baked Beans ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the beans and flavor base in advance for easy assembly. Soak beans overnight and store prepped ingredients in the fridge. Assemble the full mixture before baking, which saves time and keeps flavors fresh for busy days or events.
How should I store leftover Randall Baked Beans?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the dish’s savory-sweet texture and taste.
Is Randall Baked Beans suitable for specific occasions?
Absolutely, it’s ideal for barbecues, family gatherings, or weeknight meals due to its hearty nature. The recipe’s flexibility makes it a versatile staple that pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone side, bringing comfort and nostalgia to any event.