Crockpot Baked Beans
Craving a hearty and flavorful side dish that practically cooks itself? Look no further than crockpot baked beans! This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or potlucks, offering a taste of smoky sweetness that complements any BBQ or grilled entree.
The beauty of crockpot baked beans lies in its hands-off approach. Simply throw all the ingredients together in the morning and let your slow cooker work its magic. This method results in perfectly tender beans, infused with the rich flavors of bacon, brown sugar, and molasses.
This recipe offers a base to build upon. Want a smokier kick? Add a chipotle pepper in adobo or your favorite BBQ sauce.For a touch more sweetness, increase the brown sugar. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to add color and texture.
Packed with protein and fiber, crockpot baked beans are a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser. Dried beans offer significant cost savings compared to canned options, and the recipe utilizes pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
So next time you need a fuss-free and flavorful side dish, whip up a batch of crockpot baked beans. Your taste buds and your wallet will thank you!
Questions I often get asked about this recipe:
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Absolutely! Substitute 3 (15 oz) cans of drained and rinsed navy beans. Reduce the cooking time to LOW for 4-5 hours or until heated through.
What kind of molasses can I use?
Light or dark molasses will both work. Dark molasses will provide a richer and slightly more bitter flavor.
Can I use a different type of sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar in equal amounts. Be aware that honey may burn at high temperatures, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
I don’t like BBQ sauce. What can I use instead?
For a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika or a teaspoon of liquid smoke.
My crockpot only has LOW and HIGH settings. Which one should I use?
Both settings will work! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly (refer to the recipe instructions).
How can I thicken the sauce?
If your beans seem too soupy after cooking, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) and stir it into the beans during the last hour of cooking.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 3-4 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally throughout baking.
What you need to make Crockpot Baked Beans:
1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed and picked over
8 ounces bacon, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup molasses
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to make it:
Combine the beans, bacon, onion, diced tomatoes, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in your slow cooker.
Stir to combine all ingredients.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Serve hot.
Tips:
For a smokier flavor, add a few tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (seeded and chopped).
You can also add other vegetables to this recipe, such as chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
If the beans seem dry after cooking, add a little water or chicken broth.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Latest Reviews:
These crockpot baked beans are a lifesaver! So easy to throw together and the perfect side for a summer BBQ. Loved how customizable they were – added some extra brown sugar for a sweeter taste. Definitely a keeper! Rene G.
This recipe is amazing! The beans were tender and flavorful, and the smoky BBQ sauce gave it a real kick. Huge hit at our potluck – everyone went back for seconds. Will definitely be making this again! Charlene F.
Big fan of this recipe! Used canned beans to save time and they still turned out delicious. The slow cooker makes it so convenient – perfect for busy weeknights. Thanks for sharing! Bessie D.
Printable Recipe:
Crockpot Baked Beans
This recipe is a delicious and easy way to make baked beans in your crockpot. You can adjust the sweetness and smokiness to your liking.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed and picked over
- 8 ounces bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the beans, bacon, onion, diced tomatoes, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in your slow cooker.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve hot.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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