Name: Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 16-oz. thick-cut bacon, cut into small pieces; 1 medium sweet onion, chopped; Sea salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 15.5-oz. can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 15.5-oz. can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 2 15.5-oz. cans great northern beans, drained and rinsed; 2 15-oz. cans black beans, drained and rinsed; 6 oz. tomato paste; 2 T. sugar-free Dijon mustard; 1/4 t. gluten-free liquid smoke; 1 c. real maple syrup; 2 c. chicken broth, preferably organic

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Indulge your taste buds in the heartwarming comfort of Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Bacon, a classic dish that never goes out of style. Infused with the rich and smoky flavors of bacon, this slow-cooked delicacy is a testament to the magic of slow cooking — transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

This recipe, perfect for family gatherings or a relaxed weekend meal, will surely have you reaching back for seconds. Keep reading and we will guide you through the tantalizing journey of creating this flavorful delight.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Simplicity at its best: With minimal ingredients and a slow cooker to do most of the work, you’ll find the process easy and straightforward— a perfect choice for busy days.
Rich and Savory Flavors: The combination of baked beans and bacon creates a mouthwatering, hearty dish that is flavorful and satisfying.
Versatile dish: It can be served as a standalone meal, a hearty side, or even as a topping for grilled items, making it a versatile addition to any menu.
Crowd Pleaser: This nostalgic comfort food is a hit at family gatherings, BBQs, and potluck dinners, pleasing both kids and adults alike.

What are Slow Cooker Baked Beans?

Slow Cooker Baked Beans are a traditional and popular dish, especially in American cuisine. It primarily consists of beans — usually navy beans — that are slow-cooked in a sauce until they become tender and absorb all the flavors. The sauce is typically made from ingredients such as molasses, brown sugar, and ketchup to create a sweet yet tangy flavor.

What sets this version apart is the inclusion of bacon, which adds a savory and smoky quality to the dish. The entire recipe is cooked in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully over several hours.

Ingredients

Thick-cut bacon: This will deliver the rich, smoky flavor that’s essential to this dish. Select a high-quality bacon for best results.
Sweet onion: This adds a touch of natural sweetness and depth to the baked beans, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Red kidney beans: These beans bring a pleasant, earthy flavor and hearty texture to the mix.
Dark red kidney beans: Slightly different from regular kidney beans, these contribute a deep, robust flavor.
Great northern beans: These beans have a mild flavor and absorb surrounding flavors well, making them perfect for this recipe.
Black beans: Adding a unique, slightly sweet and rich flavor, black beans also provide color contrast to the dish.
Tomato paste: This thickens the sauce and infuses it with a tangy, savory character.
Dijon mustard: This will add a bit of zing and complexity to the overall taste of the dish.
Liquid smoke: This ingredient is the secret to getting that distinctive smoky flavor, even when cooking indoors.
Maple syrup: This will add a hint of natural sweetness that perfectly balances the savory elements.
Chicken broth: This will add moisture and a deeper flavor profile, helping to create a sauce that’s rich and flavorful.

For the full details on the quantity of each ingredient and step-by-step instructions on how to prepare this delicious Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Bacon dish, please refer to the recipe card below. Here, you’ll find everything you need to recreate this crowd-pleasing classic in your own kitchen. Let’s dive in and start cooking!

Substitutions and Additions

While this recipe delivers a unique flavor profile, you can still make changes based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences:

Thick-cut bacon: If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using smoked tofu or tempeh. For a lighter option, turkey bacon could be a great substitute.
Sweet onion: If sweet onions aren’t readily available, you can use yellow onions or shallots as they also offer a sweet flavor profile.
Red kidney beans and Dark red kidney beans: Feel free to swap these out with any canned beans like pinto beans, chickpeas, or cannellini beans.
Great northern beans: Cannellini beans or navy beans can be used as a substitute.
Black beans: You can replace black beans with pinto beans or chickpeas.
Dijon mustard: Yellow mustard or a mix of honey and vinegar can be used if Dijon mustard isn’t available.
Liquid smoke: If you can’t find liquid smoke, smoked paprika or chipotle powder can lend a smoky flavor.
Maple syrup: If you prefer, you can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar.

Remember, these are just suggestions. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and quantities until you find your perfect blend. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!

Instructions

In a large skillet, combine chopped bacon and onion. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Cook over medium heat until the bacon becomes crispy and the onion turns soft, usually around 10-15 minutes.

Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully drain any excess grease. Set it aside.

Place the beans, bacon, and onion into a slow cooker crock that is 6-quart or larger. Add the tomato paste, Dijon mustard, liquid smoke, maple syrup, and chicken broth on top. Stir everything together to combine.

Cook covered on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours. Uncover and stir to combine. Before serving, taste and season with more salt and black pepper if desired.

Recipe tips

For a thicker texture: If you prefer your baked beans with a thicker sauce, remove the lid of the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking. This allows extra moisture to evaporate, thickening the sauce.
Customize your flavors: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of your baked beans by adding more or less maple syrup, mustard, or tomato paste according to your preference.
Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator overnight. The flavors will continue to meld together, enhancing the taste even more.
Storing Leftovers: Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in a freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
Doubling the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings. Ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume.

Storage & reheating

To store the Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Bacon, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you wish to freeze the dish for longer storage, it can be kept in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.

To reheat the baked beans, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then transfer to a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, covered, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout. Either way, you may want to add a little water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use a different kind of meat instead of bacon?

Yes, you can substitute the bacon with other kinds of meat like ham, sausage, or even shredded chicken. The flavor profile might change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

I don’t have a slow cooker. Can I still make this recipe?

Absolutely! If you don’t own a slow cooker, you can also make this dish in the oven. Place the mixed ingredients in a casserole dish, cover it with a lid or foil, and bake at 325°F for about 2-3 hours.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned ones?

Yes, you can use dried beans. However, they need to be soaked overnight and then boiled until tender before they can be used in this recipe. Please note that 1 can of beans is equivalent to about 1/2 cup of dried beans.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this dish vegan, you can replace the bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh, and switch the chicken broth with vegetable broth or water. Remember to check the labels of the other ingredients to ensure they are vegan.

I don’t like sweet baked beans. Can I omit the maple syrup?

Certainly, you can adjust the sweetness to taste by reducing or omitting the maple syrup. If you still want a bit of sweetness without the maple flavor, try adding a little brown sugar instead.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add other veggies like bell peppers, corn, or diced tomatoes to this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.