Campfire Beans are a hearty, smoky, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for outdoor cooking or as a comforting meal at home. This classic dish combines tender beans with smoky bacon, rich molasses, and a medley of spices, all slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re enjoying them by the fire on a camping trip or bringing the campfire vibes to your kitchen, these beans are a satisfying side dish or even a main course when served with cornbread or crusty bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried beans (pinto, navy, or a mix), soaked overnight and drained
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups water or beef broth (plus more as needed)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it is crispy and browned. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Beans and Seasonings:
- Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot, along with the cooked bacon. Stir in the molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer the Beans:
- Pour in 4 cups of water or beef broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally, and add more water or broth as needed to keep the beans from drying out.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Once the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
- If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy these smoky, sweet, and savory Campfire Beans as a perfect side dish for grilled meats, barbecues, or as a comforting main course with cornbread or crusty bread!
