Crock pot baked beans combine the classic BBQ flavor with smoky bacon to create an easy baked beans recipe the explodes with sweet, savory, smoky flavor in every bite. It's the classic summer or potluck side made even easier!
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Summer parties are in full swing, which means lots of BBQ sandwiches, tasty sides like mac and cheese, and backyard parties galore. If you've been tasked to make a side dish that everyone will enjoy, then you'll love making these easy crock pot baked beans.
Instead of simmering these baked beans on the stove the old-fashioend way, you can make things a lot easier by using your crock pot.
Dump everything into the crock pot, including the beans and sweet and smoky sauce components. Let it simmer until flavorful, and you've got a side dish that pairs well with any main BBQ course, like hot dogs, burgers, or grilled chicken!
Why You’ll Love These Crock Pot Baked Beans
With a recipe this easy, delicious, and classic, there's a lot to love.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses simple ingredients found in your kitchen or a quick trip to the grocery store.
- Easy: All you have to do is dump everything into your crock pot. It literally does all the work.
- Versatile: Adjust the ingredients to make these beans uniquely your own. Make it as spicy, sweet, or smoky as you like.
- Budget-Friendly: Everything used in this recipe is easy on your wallet.
- Convenient: Make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. It's great for meal prepping!
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple ingredients you can find in your kitchen and your local grocery store. You can find all the ingredients here, but their exact quantities are in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Thick Cut Bacon - Helps add texture to the dish along with a layer of smoky flavor that pairs well with the beans.
- White Onion & Garlic - Gives these beans a mild onion and garlic flavor that gets slow-cooked into the dish.
- Green Bell Pepper - Adds a hint of garden-fresh taste and a pop of green color.
- Canned Beans - A mix of pinto beans and kidney beans is the perfect combination of hearty and flavorful packed with lots of protein and fiber. They also soak up the flavor of the seasonings well.
- BBQ Sauce - Use your favorite jar of BBQ sauce to help create a sweet and smoky classic flavor.
- Ketchup - Adds a natural sweetness and acidity to this side dish, as well as acidity from the tomatoes.
- Brown Sugar - Adds sweetness to the beans and a complementary molasses flavor.
- Paprika - Gives this crock pot side dish a beautiful reddish hue along with a touch of smoky flavor.
- Yellow Mustard - Adds a tangy layer of flavor that compliments the sweetness.
- Worcestershire Sauce - Adds salt and an umami flavor perfect for crock pot baked beans.
- Black Pepper - Used to taste, this classic seasoning helps balance and enhance the flavors.
How To Make These Easy Baked Beans
This recipe is incredibly easy to make. You'll only have to cook the bacon and veggies in a skillet. After that, the crock pot does everything for you.
The recipe overview is right here, but you can find the exact instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Then, place on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced vegetables, minced garlic, onions, and pepper to the skillet and cook in the bacon grease until softened.
- Add Everything to the Crock Pot: Add all the baked beans ingredients to the slow cooker and stir well.
- Cook: Cook the beans until heated through and the flavors have melded.
- Adjust the Flavor: Taste the beans after they've finished cooking and adjust the flavor with salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy!
Storage
Storing: Cooled leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Freezing: Freeze beans in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to three months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through or reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals. You may need to add a little water or broth to thin it out as it reheats.
FAQ
You can, but the texture will be soft and rubbery, which is not great for a dish with baked beans. For best results, cook your bacon in a skillet until crispy.
Yes, you can. Just make sure you drain them properly first, as the liquid can make the crock pot baked beans too thick and heavy.
The best beans for crock pot baked beans are pinto, kidney, black, cannellini, or great northern beans.
Thick-cut bacon works best for baked beans. It doesn't shrink as much and creates large chunks of bacon throughout the beans.
Canned beans should be thoroughly drained before adding them to the mixture to prevent excessively thick and heavy baked beans.
You can do a lot with baked beans. Try adding diced jalapenos or serranos for more heat. Smoked paprika or chipotle in adobo sauce adds a smokier flavor to the beans. Finally, diced carrots, celery,
What to Serve with Easy Baked Beans
Baked beans are a versatile side that pairs well with all your favorite BBQ and grilling eats. Try it with:
- BBQ Beef Sandwiches: The smoky, sweet flavor of the beans is the perfect complement to the rich BBQ flavor of these sandwiches.
- Crock Pot Hot Dogs: Whether you cook them in the crock pot or grill them, hot dogs make a great pairing with baked beans.
- BBQ Ribs: The sweet, tangy flavor and tender meat of BBQ ribs pair perfectly with the flavor of baked beans.
- BBQ Chicken Legs: BBQ chicken is a classic, backyard bash staple, and the rich flavor of these legs works fantastically with these beans.
More Easy Slow Cooker Side Dish Recipes
- The Best Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
- Easy, NO Foil Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Potatoes (With Bacon)
- Easy, Cheesy Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes
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Crock Pot Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup white onion (diced)
- ½ cup green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- ½ cup bbq sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon until it is crispy and golden brown. Drain off grease and saute onions and green peppers until they are soft. About 5-6 minutes. Then add to the Crockpot.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the Crockpot and mix until well combined.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours and on low for 6-7 hours.
- Serve while hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
Maria
Great ideas for a new cook
Ryan Allen
Thank you so much!