This Slow Cooker Crockpot Baked Beans with Bacon recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with tender beans slow-cooked in a rich sauce. The addition of bacon brings a delightful smokiness that complements the natural sweetness of brown sugar. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this side dish is sure to become a favorite.
There’s something incredibly comforting about a pot of baked beans simmering away, filling the kitchen with a savory, smoky aroma.
Key Ingredients
- Beans
- Bacon
- Onions
- Garlic
- BBQ Sauce
- Ketchup
- Chili Powder
- Brown Sugar or Sweetener
- Salt and Pepper to taste
What Type of Beans to Use
You can use any canned baked beans. For Southern-style beans, navy and pinto beans are commonly used. These beans are favored for their ability to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce and their creamy texture when cooked.
I use vegetarian canned baked beans because I want the flavors from the recipe to shine. I want the dish to taste like it’s been made with fresh bacon.
How to Use Dry Beans
If using dried beans, soak them overnight. This reduces cooking time. You can also use the quick soak method and boil a large pot of water on the stove. Once the temperature reaches boiling, remove the pot from heat and add the beans. Allow the beans to soak for at least one hour. Slow cook on Low for 7-10 hours.
Not soaking them in advance will likely add a couple of hours to your cooking time.
How to Make Slow Cooker Crockpot Baked Beans
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Add canned baked beans, ketchup, BBQ sauce, bacon, onions, garlic chili powder, brown sugar or sweetener, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker.
- Slow cook.
Cook Time/How Long to Cook
Every slow cooker model cooks at varying speeds. It’s imperative you keep a close watch to understand the time the dish will need using the slow cooker you have. If cooking on high, they usually take about 2 1/2-4 hours. I like to cook them for 3 hours on High.
If cooking on low, they usually take 4-6 hours.
How to Tell When They Are Done Cooking
The beans should be tender but not mushy. When you bite into a bean, it should be soft all the way through without any hardness or graininess in the center. Press a bean between your fingers or on the edge of a spoon. It should easily mash without much resistance.
How to Avoid Thin Sauce
The sauce should be thick and rich, coating the beans well. If the sauce is too watery, the beans need more cooking time. If the sauce is not thickening, you can remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
You should also be careful not to add too many liquids to your dish. This will result in runny texture.
Is the Dish Spicy?
I don’t find the dish spicy. The recipe does call for chili powder. Most store-bought chili powders are designed to be mild to moderately spicy to appeal to a wide range of palates. They typically use mild chili peppers, resulting in a subtle heat. If you know you have a strong aversion to spice, you can omit it.
How to Add Ground Beef
Cook your ground beef on the stove. I recommend seasoning it first with at least salt and peppers. Add it in with the remaining ingredients.
Substitution and Add-ins Ideas
- Smoked Sausage
- Pulled Pork
- Mustard
- Bell Peppers
- Jalapenos
- Smoked Paprika
- Thyme
- Beer
- Pineapple
How to Make a Large Batch for a Crowd
As written, the recipe should feed plenty of people if you are serving multiple side dishes. You can easily double or triple the recipe for really large groups. Simply double the ingredients and the cook time should remain around the same, just keep a watchful eye.
How to Store/Can You Make Them Ahead?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Making them in advance can enhance their flavor as the ingredients have more time to meld together.
Freezer Tips
Place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
You can reheat them in the microwave, on the stove, or in the oven (at 350 degrees) until warm.
If the beans seem too thick when reheating, add a splash of water, broth, or a bit of extra sauce to reach the desired consistency. Stir occasionally while reheating to ensure even warming and to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot or dish.
Pair With These Main Dish Recipes
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken Wings
Slow Cooker Crockpot Ribs with BBQ Sauce
Slow Cooker Crockpot BBQ Brisket
Slow Cooker Crockpot Pulled Chicken
More Slow Cooker Crockpot Side Dishes
Slow Cooker Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes
Slow Cooker Crockpot Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
Slow Cooker Crockpot Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Slow Cooker Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Uncooked Pasta
Slow Cooker Crockpot Baked Beans with Bacon
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon Cooked and crumbled.
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 garlic cloves Minced.
- 2 28 oz canned baked beans I use vegetarian. Not drained.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili powder This amount will give the beans a kick. If you don't want a dose of spice omit it or start with 1/2 teaspoon and continue to taste and build.
- 2-4 tablespoons brown sugar or sweetener I typically use 3. See notes.
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a slow cooker. Mine is 7 quart. Stir to combine.
- If cooking on High, they usually take about 2 1/2-4 hours. I like to cook them for 3 hours on High.If cooking on Low, they usually take 4-6 hours.
- Open the pot and stir. The beans should be tender but not mushy. When you bite into a bean, it should be soft all the way through without any hardness or graininess in the center. Press a bean between your fingers or on the edge of a spoon. It should easily mash without much resistance.Taste repeatedly and adjust spices as necessary. Cool before serving.