If you’re looking for an easy and delicious side dish that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Baked Beans recipe is a must-try. Perfect for summer cookouts and gatherings, these beans are flavorful, filling, and a definite crowd-pleaser.

• Cuisine: American
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH
• Total Time: Up to 8 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 6-8

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Makes a large batch, ideal for serving a crowd.
• Hands-off cooking method with the slow cooker.
• Rich, sweet, and smoky flavor profile.
• Easy to adjust seasoning to your taste preference.

Ingredients

• 8 oz. bacon, cut into small pieces: Adds smokiness and depth. Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative.
• 1 large onion, grated or diced: Provides a savory base. Use shallots for a milder flavor.
• 1 (14.5oz) can butter beans, drained and rinsed*: Adds creaminess. Cannellini beans work as a substitute.
• 1 (14.5oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Contributes texture and color. Black beans can be used instead.
• 1 (14.5oz) can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed: Offers a neutral base, pairing well with other flavors.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the mixture, balancing acidity.
• 2/3 cup ketchup: Adds tanginess and tomato flavor.
• 2/3 cup barbecue sauce: Provides smokiness and sweetness. Use your favorite brand for best results.
• 2 Tablespoons molasses: Deepens the sweetness and color.
• 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard: Adds tartness and complexity.
• 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar**: Provides acidity to brighten the dish. White vinegar is an alternative.
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Introduces umami. Use gluten-free if needed.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or more to taste: Gives a gentle heat and depth.
• 1 cup water (or more, to taste): Adjusts the consistency to your liking.
• Salt, as needed (to taste): Enhances overall flavor.

How to Make It

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. This renders the fat, which you’ll use to cook the onions, adding a smoky depth to the dish. Transfer the cooked bacon to your slow cooker and reserve 2-3 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Add the grated or diced onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 4-5 minutes until the onions soften and begin to turn translucent. This step releases moisture, preventing a raw onion taste in the final dish.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the softened onions and any bacon fat from the skillet to the slow cooker. Add the canned beans, brown sugar, ketchup, barbecue sauce, molasses, mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and water. Stir until thoroughly combined. This ensures that the flavor melds evenly throughout.

Step 4: Cook the Beans

Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 7-8 hours, depending on your schedule. The slow cooking process allows the beans to absorb the sauce and flavors, enhancing their taste.

Step 5: Adjust and Serve

Before serving, taste the beans and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more brown sugar, mustard, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, or salt to suit your preferences. Serve warm and enjoy. Leftovers should be chilled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use dry beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak the beans overnight and partially cook them before adding to the slow cooker. This helps ensure they become sufficiently tender without absorbing too much liquid from the dish.

What type of barbecue sauce is best?

Use a barbecue sauce that matches your flavor preference. If you enjoy smoky, opt for a hickory-flavored sauce. Prefer sweetness? Choose a honey or brown sugar-based sauce for a sweeter result.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the bacon and use a touch of olive oil to sauté the onions instead. You might want to add a bit of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor without the bacon.