Crockpot Baked Beans
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Description
These Crockpot Baked Beans are the ultimate summer cookout side dish. Slow-cooked with bacon, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and savory seasonings, they become rich, smoky, and perfectly sweet. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, celebrating the 4th of July, or feeding a crowd at a potluck, these easy slow cooker baked beans are always a hit.
Ingredients
- 4 cans (15 ounces each) pork and beans, undrained
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crisp and crumble into small pieces.
- Dice the onion and set aside.
- Add the pork and beans to the crockpot.
- Stir in the bacon, onion, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
- Mix everything until well combined.
- Cover and cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours or High for 2 to 3 hours.
- Stir once or twice during cooking if possible.
- When the beans are thick, rich, and bubbling, they are ready to serve.
Notes
- Thick-cut bacon adds extra smoky flavor.
- Use your favorite barbecue sauce for a personalized taste.
- The beans will continue to thicken as they cool.
- Sweet onions work especially well in this recipe.
- Stir gently to keep the beans intact.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 servings
- Calories: 320 per serving
Variations
- Add cooked ground beef for a heartier version.
- Mix in diced jalapeños for heat.
- Use maple syrup instead of part of the brown sugar.
- Add smoked sausage slices.
- Stir in a splash of liquid smoke for extra smokiness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside barbecue ribs.
- Pair with pulled pork sandwiches.
- Enjoy with grilled burgers and hot dogs.
- Add to a 4th of July buffet spread.
- Serve with cornbread and coleslaw.
Tips
- Prepare everything the night before and refrigerate.
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Double the recipe for large gatherings.
- Taste before serving and adjust sweetness if desired.
- Keep warm in the crockpot during parties.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield
10 servings
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 11g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fat: 11g
Sodium: 760mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make crockpot baked beans ahead of time?
Yes. They can be made a day in advance and reheated before serving. Many people find the flavor improves after sitting overnight.
Can I freeze baked beans?
Absolutely. Allow them to cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
What type of beans work best?
Canned pork and beans are the traditional choice because they already contain a flavorful sauce. You can also combine them with pinto beans or navy beans.
How do I make baked beans less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar to 1/4 cup and choose a less sweet barbecue sauce.
Can I cook them longer?
Yes. They can stay on the Warm setting for several hours after cooking, making them perfect for parties and cookouts.
Do I have to cook the bacon first?
Yes. Cooking the bacon beforehand creates better texture and flavor while preventing excess grease in the beans.
Conclusion
Crockpot Baked Beans are a classic comfort food side dish packed with sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, they’re a must-have recipe for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, and especially your 4th of July celebration.