Welcome to the world of effortless flavor with our irresistible Crock Pot Baked Beans! These beans are incredibly easy to prepare and serve, combining classic pork and beans with a delightful blend of brown sugar, savory mustard, tangy BBQ sauce, aromatic onion, and crispy bacon. It’s a dish that promises to be a staple at your family gatherings, summer cookouts, and potlucks for years to come.
An Easy Crock Pot Baked Bean Recipe: Your Go-To for Stress-Free Sides
Our family shares an unwavering love for baked beans. Hardly a summer grill-out or festive gathering passes without a generous serving of this comforting side dish making a welcome appearance. While we hold our fantastic traditional Southern Baked Beans recipe in high regard for its rich, complex flavors, we’ve heard countless requests from readers seeking a simpler, less ingredient-intensive alternative that doesn’t require turning on the oven. We completely understand the appeal of ease and convenience, especially during the warmer months when keeping your kitchen cool is a priority.
This Crock Pot Baked Beans recipe was specifically developed to meet that need. It streamlines the preparation process without sacrificing any of that beloved sweet and savory taste. By utilizing just a handful of pantry staples and the set-it-and-forget-it magic of your slow cooker, you can create a batch of baked beans that are wonderfully rich, hearty, and utterly delicious. Gone are the days of complicated steps or constant monitoring; this slow cooker method ensures perfectly cooked beans with minimal fuss, making it the ultimate stress-free side dish for any meal or occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Achieving a thicker consistency in slow cooker baked beans can be a bit more challenging than with oven-baked versions, as the slow cooker’s lid effectively traps moisture, preventing significant liquid evaporation. However, there are excellent ways to get your desired thickness. The most reliable method is to prepare a cornstarch slurry: simply whisk together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until completely smooth. Stir this slurry into your beans during the final 30-60 minutes of cooking, then switch your slow cooker to the “high” setting. Stir occasionally as it cooks, and you’ll notice the beans begin to thicken beautifully. While some suggest removing the lid and cooking on high for a period to allow moisture to escape, this requires constant vigilance to prevent the beans from sticking and scorching at the bottom of the pot. Another option, though less ideal in terms of flavor, is to drain some of the liquid from one of the cans of pork and beans before adding it to the slow cooker; however, this might inadvertently reduce some of the inherent flavor contributed by the canning liquid. We highly recommend trying the cornstarch slurry first for optimal results that preserve the delicious taste.
This specific Crock Pot Baked Beans recipe is designed for maximum convenience and flavor using canned pork and beans. These canned varieties are essential as they provide a pre-cooked base, along with a flavorful liquid that contributes significantly to the final taste and consistency of the dish. While it is certainly possible to make baked beans from dry beans, it would necessitate substantial modifications to the recipe. Dry beans require an overnight soaking period, followed by a preliminary simmering phase until they are tender, before they can even be introduced to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. The overall cooking time would also be considerably longer. As we have not specifically tested this recipe with dry beans, we cannot provide precise adjustments or guarantee comparable results. For the ease, speed, and delicious flavor profile this recipe aims for, we strongly recommend using canned pork and beans as specified.
It’s a common misconception that beans will turn to mush with extended cooking in a slow cooker. However, canned beans are quite resilient and maintain their structure remarkably well under the gentle, consistent heat of a slow cooker, especially when cooked on a low setting. While leaving them to cook for an excessive duration, such as 12 hours or more, might result in a slightly softer texture, the recommended 3-5 hour cooking window is ideal. This timeframe allows the beans to fully absorb all the rich flavors from the sauce without losing their integrity. To ensure even cooking and prevent any beans from sticking to the bottom, simply give them a gentle stir a couple of times throughout the cooking process. This helps redistribute the heat and ensures every bean is perfectly infused with deliciousness.
If you’re aiming to impart a deeper, more pronounced smoky flavor to your baked beans, there are several effective and easy ways to achieve this. Your choice of barbecue sauce is paramount: opt for a hickory or mesquite-flavored BBQ sauce as your primary choice. These varieties naturally infuse the beans with a robust smoky essence. Many excellent store-bought brands offer these distinct flavor profiles. If you don’t have a smoky BBQ sauce readily available, or if you simply wish to intensify the smokiness, a small dash of liquid smoke can be a game-changer. Start with just half a teaspoon, mix it in thoroughly, and then taste before adding more, as liquid smoke is quite concentrated. Another fantastic option is to incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika into the ingredient mix; this spice adds an earthy, subtle smokiness without overwhelming the other flavors. For the ultimate smoky experience, consider using a good quality smoked bacon for your crumbled topping, which will permeate the dish with its savory aroma.
Proper storage is essential to keep your delicious baked beans fresh and enjoyable for future meals. First, allow any leftover beans to cool down completely to room temperature before transferring them. Once cooled, spoon them into an airtight container. These can then be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For extended storage, baked beans are an excellent candidate for freezing. Divide them into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring you leave a small amount of headspace to account for expansion during freezing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 4-5 months without significant loss of quality. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw the frozen beans overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating baked beans is simple, and you have several convenient options depending on your available time and preference. The slowest method, which ensures incredibly even heating and preserves moisture, is to reheat them in your slow cooker on a low setting until thoroughly warmed through. Alternatively, for quicker results, you can transfer the beans to an oven-safe baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until hot. If you prefer the stovetop, place the beans in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. For the fastest option, individual portions can be reheated in a microwave-safe container in the microwave; stir halfway through the heating process to ensure they are piping hot all the way through.
Essential Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Creating these incredibly flavorful Crock Pot Baked Beans requires just a few key ingredients, most of which are likely already staples in your kitchen. Each component plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that make this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser.
- Pork and Beans: The crucial foundation of this entire recipe! You will need three 28-ounce cans. You can easily locate canned pork and beans in the canned goods aisle of any well-stocked grocery store, typically shelved alongside other varieties of beans. These beans are packed in a savory, often tomato-based sauce with small, tender pieces of cured pork, which contributes a wonderful depth of flavor and serves as a ready-made liquid base for the dish. It’s important not to drain them, as the liquid is absolutely essential for the slow cooking process and the overall moisture content. Look for larger cans if available, or simply adjust the quantity with smaller ones to meet the total ounce requirement.
- Diced Onion: A half-cup of diced onion introduces a subtle sweetness and aromatic complexity to the beans. For those who enjoy a wonderfully soft, almost caramelized onion texture, we highly recommend taking an extra step to lightly sauté the diced onion, perhaps when you cook up your bacon, before adding it to the slow cooker. This ensures it becomes beautifully tender and seamlessly melds into the sauce. While onions will cook in the slow cooker, they often retain a slight al dente bite, which some people surprisingly enjoy! If you are not an onion fan, you can certainly omit it entirely, or substitute with about a teaspoon of onion powder for a hint of flavor without the textural presence.
- Barbecue Sauce: This is arguably the most critical ingredient for defining the overall flavor profile of your baked beans! A generous ¾ cup of your preferred barbecue sauce will dictate whether your beans are sweet, tangy, spicy, or smoky. We encourage you to choose a high-quality brand that you genuinely love and enjoy. For an extra special, gourmet touch, consider elevating the flavors even further by using a homemade BBQ sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different regional styles, such as a Kansas City sweet and smoky sauce or a tangy Carolina mustard-based one, to discover your perfect match.
- Brown Sugar: The quintessential sweetness for classic baked beans is provided by ½ cup of brown sugar. This ingredient brings a rich, molasses-infused depth and a subtle caramelized note to the dish. We typically opt for light brown sugar for a balanced sweetness that doesn’t overpower, but if you desire a more pronounced molasses flavor and a darker, richer hue, dark brown sugar is an excellent and equally delicious alternative. Both options work beautifully, contributing to the irresistible sweet and savory balance.
- Yellow Mustard: Don’t be alarmed by the inclusion of this ingredient! Two tablespoons of yellow mustard are a well-kept secret weapon in many traditional baked bean recipes. The magic here is that you won’t distinctly taste the mustard itself in the finished dish. Instead, it acts as a phenomenal flavor enhancer, introducing a subtle tang and an underlying depth that expertly balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and the robust richness of the BBQ sauce. It brightens the overall flavor profile, preventing the beans from tasting one-dimensional, without imparting any overt “mustardy” flavor.
- Cooked Bacon: Half a pound of cooked and crumbled bacon is the ultimate savory addition, bringing an irresistible smoky, salty element and a delightful textural contrast. For the absolute best texture and flavor, we strongly recommend frying up fresh bacon until it’s perfectly crispy, rather than relying on pre-cooked microwave bacon or packaged bacon bits. The freshly rendered fat and the delightful crunch of real bacon are unparalleled. While you technically could add it at the beginning of the cooking process, we prefer stirring it in right before serving; this ensures the bacon retains its delightful crispness, adding a textural highlight to the otherwise soft beans. This ingredient is entirely optional, but it’s highly recommended for that authentic, classic baked bean experience.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Crock Pot Baked Beans
Making these Crock Pot Baked Beans is an incredibly straightforward process, promising maximum flavor with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps to prepare a batch of perfectly cooked, crowd-pleasing beans that will be the star of any spread.
Prepare the Onion (Optional Sauté): If you prefer your onions very soft and fully integrated into the sauce, we highly recommend sautéing the diced onion lightly on the stovetop. This can be done while you cook your bacon (if using), ensuring the onion loses its raw bite and becomes wonderfully tender before joining the other ingredients in the slow cooker. Otherwise, the onion will cook in the slow cooker but may retain a slight textural bite, which some individuals surprisingly enjoy!
Combine All Ingredients: In a spacious 4-6 quart slow cooker, carefully combine all the primary ingredients. This includes the three 28-ounce cans of pork and beans (remember, do not drain them!), the diced onion (either raw or pre-sautéed, based on your preference), ¾ cup of your chosen barbecue sauce, ½ cup of brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard. Gently place all these components into the slow cooker pot.
All the flavorful components gathered in the slow cooker, ready for mixing. Stir Thoroughly: Using a sturdy spoon, give all the ingredients a really good, comprehensive stir. Ensure the brown sugar is completely dissolved, the yellow mustard is fully incorporated, and the barbecue sauce evenly coats all the beans and diced onion. This critical step ensures that every single bite of your baked beans is infused with consistent, balanced flavor.
Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid tightly onto your slow cooker and set it to the LOW cooking setting. Allow the beans to cook undisturbed for 3-5 hours. The precise cooking time may vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker model and your preferred thickness and tenderness of the beans. During this gentle cooking period, all the wonderful flavors will meld together beautifully, and the beans will become wonderfully tender.
Allow your slow cooker to transform simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful dish. Gentle Stirring During Cooking: To help prevent any sticking, especially if your slow cooker tends to have hotter spots, and to ensure uniform heating and flavor distribution, give the beans a gentle stir a couple of times throughout the cooking process. This minimal intervention contributes to perfectly cooked beans from top to bottom.
Add Bacon (Optional, for Crispness): Just before you are ready to serve, gently stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon. Adding it at this final stage is our preferred method because it ensures the bacon retains its delightful crisp texture, providing a wonderful textural contrast to the soft, tender beans. If you prefer your bacon to be softer and more integrated into the sauce, you can certainly add it in Step 2 with the other ingredients.
The final flourish: crispy bacon adds a delightful texture and smoky flavor. Serve and Savor: Once the beans are thoroughly heated through and all the wonderful flavors have completely melded, your Crock Pot Baked Beans are officially ready! Serve them hot as an outstanding side dish for barbecues, picnics, holiday feasts, or simply as a comforting addition to any weeknight family meal.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Crock Pot Baked Beans
Crock Pot Baked Beans are incredibly versatile and serve as a stellar companion to an impressively wide array of dishes. Their perfectly balanced sweet and savory profile, coupled with a hint of tang, beautifully complements rich meats and adds a wonderfully comforting touch to any plate. Here are some inspired ideas to help you create a complete and satisfying meal:
- Classic BBQ Favorites: These beans are the quintessential side for anything fresh off the grill. Imagine them alongside juicy grilled burgers, classic hot dogs, succulent slow-cooked ribs, tender pulled pork sandwiches, or perfectly charred grilled chicken.
- Potluck and Picnic Staples: A must-have for any large gathering or outdoor event! Their robust nature means they travel exceptionally well and are always a universally loved hit. Pair them with creamy coleslaw, tangy potato salad, fresh corn on the cob, and warm, buttery cornbread.
- Hearty Weeknight Mains: For a comforting and satisfying dinner, pair these beans with hearty main courses like a classic roasted chicken, a comforting meatloaf, or even a simple pan-seared ham steak.
- Breakfast & Brunch Enhancement: In some culinary traditions, particularly a full English breakfast, baked beans are a classic and welcome addition. Serve them alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, sizzling sausages, crispy bacon, and toasted bread for a truly hearty start to your day.
More Delicious Side Dishes You’ll Love
If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and incredible flavor of these easy Crock Pot Baked Beans, you’ll surely love exploring other comforting and flavorful side dishes from our kitchen. Here are some more beloved recipes to inspire your next meal or gathering:
- Southern Black Eyed Peas
- Slow Cooker Refried Beans
- Calico Baked Beans
- Root Beer Baked Beans
- Sausage Baked Beans
- Beanie Weenie Casserole
- Beef and Bean Cowboy Casserole
- Crock Pot Beans and Ham
- Appalachian Soup Beans
- Red Beans and Rice
Originally posted: May 2013
Updated photos and republished: April 2024
Crock Pot Baked Beans Recipe
These Crock Pot Baked Beans are incredibly easy to make and serve, making them the perfect addition to any family gathering, barbecue, or potluck. They combine tender canned pork and beans with a mouthwatering blend of sweet brown sugar, tangy mustard, savory BBQ sauce, aromatic onion, and crispy bacon for a truly unforgettable side dish with minimal effort!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yields: 12 servings
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 (28 ounce) cans pork and beans, undrained
- ½ cup diced onion (sautéed for softer texture, see notes below for details)
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand for best flavor)
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark brown sugar, based on desired molasses flavor)
- 2 Tablespoons yellow mustard
- ½ pound bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (optional, for garnish or mixed in)
Instructions
- In a 4-6 quart slow cooker, combine the undrained pork and beans, diced onion (raw or pre-sautéed), barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and yellow mustard.
- Stir all ingredients thoroughly until well combined, ensuring the brown sugar is dissolved and the sauce evenly coats the beans.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 3-5 hours, or until the beans are tender and thoroughly heated through.
- Gently stir the beans a couple of times during cooking to prevent sticking and promote even flavor distribution.
- Just before serving, stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon, if desired. This method helps the bacon retain its crispness.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Please refer to the “Frequently Asked Questions” and “Essential Ingredients” sections above for more detailed information on substitutions, tips for thickening, and flavor variations.
- For very soft onions, sauté them with the bacon before adding them to the slow cooker. Otherwise, they will retain a slight bite after slow cooking.
- Adding cooked bacon at the very end of the cooking process ensures it remains crispy. If you prefer softer bacon that is fully integrated into the beans, you can add it along with the other ingredients at the beginning.
Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: 359kcal
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 1161mg
- Fiber: 11g
- Sugar: 15g
Nutritional Disclaimer: “The Country Cook” is not a certified dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared here is an estimate. These values are based on standard ingredient calculations and can vary significantly depending on the specific brands of ingredients used and any modifications made. If precise caloric or nutritional values are important to your dietary needs, we strongly recommend running the exact ingredients through a trusted online nutritional calculator of your choice.