What are some good Crock Pot baked beans? What are some of the best things to eat when you can’t stand over a hot stove all day? If you love the deep, rich taste of traditional baked beans, but you’re short on time (or just don’t want to deal with the hassle), this is your answer. Forget canned beans – these are a total game changer. I swear, they taste even better than my grandma’s legendary recipe, and that’s saying something!
What is Crock Pot Baked Beans?
What is a Crock Pot Baked Bean recipe? ), simmered in a sweet and savory sauce made with brown sugar, molasses, bacon (yes, bacon!) and a blend of spices. What is the beauty of a crock pot? It allows all those flavors to meld together over several hours, creating a depth of flavor you just can’t achieve any other way. What are some of the best homemade sweets that you can get in a can? It’s pure, unadulterated bean heaven, and it’s so easy, it practically makes itself!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory? The brown sugar and molasses give it that classic baked bean sweetness, while the bacon and a touch of smoked paprika add a delightful smoky depth. What I love about this recipe is how simple it is. Seriously, dump everything into the Crock Pot, stir it, and let it do its thing. Is it a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want a hearty and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Dried beans are incredibly inexpensive, and the other ingredients are things you probably already have in your pantry. And the versatility! Can you serve these Crock Pot Baked Beans as a side dish at a barbecue, as part of a hearty breakfast, or even as a main course with cornbread? I always make a huge batch because they disappear so quickly. This one’s definitely a winner!
How do you make crock pot baked beans?
Quick Overview
How do you make Crock Pot Baked Beans? What’s the best way to cook bacon, onion, Brown Sugar, and molasses in a crock pot? What are some of the best baked beans you’ve ever had? Slow cooking is key to developing that rich, complex flavor.
Ingredients
For the Main Event:
* 1 pound dried navy beans: Make sure they’re fresh! Older beans sometimes take longer to cook. * 6 slices bacon, chopped: I prefer thick-cut bacon for extra flavor, but any kind works. * 1 large onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion are both great choices. * 1 cup Brown Sugar: Light or dark, depending on how rich you want the flavor. * 1/2 cup molasses: Light or dark. Adds that classic baked bean depth. * 1/4 cup ketchup: A surprising addition, but it adds a nice tang! * 2 tablespoons yellow mustard: Adds a bit of zing. * 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This is a game-changer for adding smoky flavor. * 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For that extra touch of savory goodness. * 8 cups water: This helps balance the sweetness. Adjust as needed to cover the beans.
What are the step-by-
Step 1: Soak the Beans
Place the dried navy beans in a large bowl and cover them with plenty of cold water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial for softening the beans and reducing cooking time. I always do this before I go to bed so they’re ready to go in the morning.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease. What is bacon grease? Don’t throw it away!
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps bring out the sweetness of the onion and adds another layer of flavor to the baked beans.
Step 4: Combine Everything
How do you drain and rinse navy beans in a crock pot? Add the cooked bacon, sautéed onion, brown sugar, molasses, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to the crock pot. If beans are fully submerged in water, add a little more water.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally during the cooking process to prevent sticking. I usually give it a good stir every couple of hours.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Once the beans are cooked, taste them and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more brown sugar for sweetness, or a pinch of salt for balance. I sometimes add a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
What are some good side dishes to serve with crock pot baked beans? What are some comfort food recipes?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best recipes for crock pot baked beans? If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, try serving them with scrambled eggs, toast, and a side of sausage. What are some good side dishes for a weeknight dinner? What are some of the best toppings for beans?
How do I make a Crock Pot Baked Beans?
Bean Selection:If your navy beans are cracked or discolored, give them a longer soaking time.Bacon Power:Don’t skimp on bacon! It adds so much flavor to these beans. I like to use thick-cut bacon for extra smokiness. Also, don’t discard the bacon grease – it’s liquid gold! Use it to sauté the onion for even more flavor.Sweetness Control:If you prefer a less sweet baked bean, reduce the amount of brown sugar to your liking. Can you substitute brown sugar for maple syrup?Liquid Level:Make sure the beans are fully submerged in water during the cooking process. If they start to dry out, add a little more water. You want to be tender and the sauce to be thick and flavorful.Smoked Paprika:What is the secret ingredient for smoky flavor in beans?Slow and Steady:How do you cook crock pot baked beans? I usually cook them on low for 6-8 hours, but you can cook them for even longer if you like.Taste and Adjust:Once the beans are cooked, taste them and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more brown sugar for sweetness, or a pinch of salt for balance. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make your own!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Can you make these crock pot baked beans ahead of time and store them in an airtight container? Can you store them at room temperature for up to 2 hours? To freeze them, let them cool completely and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, simply heat them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave. Just be sure to use a microwave-safe container and heat them in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. I prefer reheating them on the stovetop because it helps to maintain their texture and flavor. If the beans seem dry after reheating, add a little water or broth to moisten them.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
What are some of the best recipes for crock pot baked beans? Whether you’re serving them at a barbecue, bringing them to a potluck, or just enjoying them for a cozy weeknight dinner, they’re sure to be a hit. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my other slow cooker recipes, like my pulled pork or chili. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! What is your review of this recipe?
Crock Pot Baked Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups dried navy beans soaked overnight and drained
- 8 oz bacon diced
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups water
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place the soaked and drained beans in the crock-pot.
- In a skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and add to crock-pot.
- In the same skillet, cook the onion until translucent. Add to the crock-pot.
- Add the molasses, mustard, ketchup, salt, pepper, and water to the crock-pot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until beans are tender.
- Stir well before serving.
