Baked beans are a timeless classic, a beloved staple at any gathering or family meal. Forget bland, watery canned versions when you can create a truly spectacular side dish with minimal effort.
This recipe for Slow Cooker Baked Beans brings together a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, slow-cooked to tender perfection. It is incredibly easy to prepare and will quickly become a favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Baked Beans
This recipe makes homemade comfort food truly achievable for anyone, especially busy parents and beginners. Here’s why these amazing baked beans will be a hit in your kitchen:
- Effortless Preparation: Your slow cooker does all the hard work, freeing up your time.
- Deep, Rich Flavor: Long, slow cooking develops an incredible depth of flavor. Research into the science of slow cooking explains how extended heat application breaks down complex molecules and fosters rich taste.
- Easily Customizable: Adjust sweetness or spice to perfectly match your preferences.
- Ideal for Gatherings: It is a perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks, BBQs, and holidays.
- Superior to Canned: Enjoy a fresh, robust taste that far surpasses store-bought varieties.
Needed Ingredients These Baked Beans
Making these incredible slow cooker baked beans means bringing together a fantastic blend of beans, savory bacon, and a rich, sweet sauce. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the deep, comforting flavor of this dish. Gather these items to get started on your easy slow cooker journey.
- 8 ounces uncooked Turkey bacon, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can northern white beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup spicy BBQ sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce – use a sweet one if you like sweeter baked beans)
- ½ cup packed dark brown sugar (or substitute coconut sugar)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon yellow mustard (or substitute Dijon)
Notes & Substitutions
- Bacon: For a lighter option, turkey bacon works well, or you can omit it entirely for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Beans: While pinto, kidney, and northern white beans are ideal, black beans or cannellini beans also make excellent substitutions. Choose your favorite combination!
- Sweetener: Dark brown sugar adds wonderful richness. Light brown sugar or coconut sugar are also good options, but you might adjust the quantity depending on the sweetness of your chosen BBQ sauce.
- Mustard: Yellow mustard provides a classic tang. If you prefer a sharper taste, Dijon mustard is a great alternative.
- Worcestershire: If you do not have Worcestershire sauce, a similar steak sauce can stand in to provide that savory depth.
- Consistency: For saucier beans, add a splash of water or chicken broth during the last hour of cooking.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools to create these delicious slow cooker baked beans. A few basic kitchen items will do the trick:
- A 6-quart or larger slow cooker (also known as a Crockpot).
- A large skillet or frying pan for cooking the bacon and aromatics.
- A sturdy wooden spoon for stirring.
How To Make The Best Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Preparing these amazing Slow Cooker Baked Beans is straightforward and designed for simplicity. Follow these steps for perfect, flavorful results every time.
- Prepare Bacon: Add diced bacon to a large skillet or frying pan. Place it over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy and beautifully golden brown. If the pan starts to smoke, lower the heat immediately. A medium-low heat setting helps achieve even crispiness without burning. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan and blot it with a paper towel to absorb any excess grease. Allow the cooked bacon to cool slightly.
- Sauté Aromatics: Carefully drain most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving just a thin layer on the bottom. Add the diced yellow onion to the pan. Cook the onion for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and slightly golden. During the last minute of cooking the onion, add the minced garlic to the pan. Cook for just one minute more until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Open your cans of pinto, kidney, and northern white beans. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water and drain them well. Transfer all the rinsed and drained beans directly into your slow cooker pot.
- Add Flavorings: Now, add the cooked, cooled bacon to the slow cooker with the beans. Next, carefully spoon in the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the ketchup, molasses, BBQ sauce, and packed dark brown sugar. Add the Worcestershire sauce and the yellow mustard to the slow cooker.
- Stir Well: Take your wooden spoon and stir all the ingredients thoroughly. Ensure the beans are fully coated with the sauce and everything is well combined.
- Slow Cook: Place the lid on your slow cooker. Cook the mixture on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours, or set it to the LOW setting and cook for 6-7 hours. The beans are ready when they are tender and the sauce has thickened nicely.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect pot of slow cooker baked beans is simple with a few helpful pointers. Keep these tips in mind for consistently delicious results:
- Sauce Consistency: For a thinner sauce, cook your beans for slightly less time. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth during the last hour.
- Flavor Balance: The type of BBQ sauce significantly impacts flavor. Use a spicy BBQ sauce for a kick, or a sweet one for richer, sweeter beans. Adjust the brown sugar accordingly.
- Prevent Burning: Always monitor your slow cooker, especially when cooking on the low setting for extended periods. Give the beans a stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom.
- Make Ahead: You can cook the bacon and sauté the onions and garlic a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, then simply add them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients on cooking day.
- Acidity: If your slow cooker baked beans taste too sweet, a splash of apple cider vinegar (about 1-2 teaspoons) at the end can balance the flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade slow cooker baked beans are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some fantastic ways to enjoy them:
- Classic BBQ Side: Serve them warm alongside grilled ribs, pulled pork, or barbecued chicken.
- Topping Perfection: Spoon them over loaded nachos or use them as a hearty filling for quesadillas.
- Grilled Meats: They are excellent companions to juicy burgers, hot dogs, or savory chicken sausages.
- Comforting Pairings: Enjoy a bowl with a slice of warm, freshly baked cornbread for a satisfying meal.
- Warm Dip: Serve them as a hearty, warm dip with sturdy tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Storage & Freezing Tips
You can easily store any leftover slow cooker baked beans to enjoy later or prepare a batch in advance. Proper storage ensures they remain fresh and delicious.
- Refrigeration: Transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: These baked beans freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, then portion them into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They will maintain their quality for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen beans overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or warm them directly in your slow cooker on the low setting until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to restore consistency.
Nutrition Information
These homemade slow cooker baked beans offer a comforting and hearty addition to your meal. They provide a good source of fiber and plant-based protein, contributing to a satisfying dish. Discover more about the numerous health benefits of incorporating beans into your diet. Please refer to the detailed nutritional breakdown below.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving (of 10) |
| Calories | 238 kcal |
| Fat Content | 2.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48.2 g |
| Fiber Content | 24.4 g |
| Sugar Content | 19.7 g |
| Protein Content | 10.6 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can. You will need to pre-cook the dried beans according to package directions before adding them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
Can I adapt this for an Instant Pot or oven?
For an Instant Pot, pressure cook for 15-20 minutes on high with enough liquid to cover. For the oven, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 6-quart or larger slow cooker works best for this recipe. If you plan to double the batch, opt for an 8-quart or larger model.
How spicy are these beans?
The spiciness is customizable based on your choice of BBQ sauce. Use a mild BBQ sauce for less heat, or a spicier variety if you prefer a kick in your slow cooker baked beans.
Can I add ground meat?
Absolutely! Brown ground beef, turkey, or sausage with the bacon and onions, then drain the grease before adding to the slow cooker.
Conclusion
These homemade Slow Cooker Baked Beans prove that creating delicious, comforting food does not have to be complicated. With minimal hands-on time, you get a rich, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion.
Their customizable nature and easy preparation make them a must-try recipe for busy cooks and beginners alike. Give this recipe a whirl and experience the incredible taste and convenience. Make sure to share your delicious results and enjoy every hearty spoonful!
Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and drain excess grease, reserving a thin layer.
- Add diced onion to the skillet (in the reserved grease) and sauté for 5‑8 minutes until soft and lightly golden. In the last minute, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Rinse and drain all three cans of beans and transfer them to a 6‑quart slow cooker.
- Add the cooked bacon, sautéed onion‑garlic mixture, ketchup, molasses, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and mustard to the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to combine and coat all beans.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Before serving, stir gently. If sauce is too thin, add 1–2 tablespoons water or broth and continue cooking for 15‑30 minutes. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
- For a pork‑free version use turkey bacon or omit entirely for a vegetarian option.
- Ensure to use low‑sodium beans, broth or water if adapting for lower salt.
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