Crock Pot Baked Beans

Crock Pot Baked Beans are a flavorful, hearty dish that combines rich sweetness with smoky depth. This slow cooker recipe is a staple at barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings, and complements grilled meats and sandwiches.

Using a crock pot simplifies the process, allowing flavors to meld while the beans soften to perfection. This recipe is easily adaptable, whether you prefer a thick, saucy consistency or a slightly lighter version.

I’ve been making crock pot baked beans for years and serve them with this Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Pork or simple grilled burgers. A few times, I’ve forgotten to start the slow cooker so I end up making an oven version of Easy Baked Beans.

The best part of this recipe is the sweet and smoky flavors from the maple syrup and bacon. The combination, together with the canned beans, gives this dish a homemade taste without much fuss.

Crock Pot Baked Beans

This recipe brings together layers of bold, smoky, and subtly sweet flavors with minimal effort. The crock pot ensures steady, slow cooking, allowing the beans to fully absorb the richness of BBQ sauce, maple syrup, and Worcestershire sauce. Using canned beans speeds up preparation, while bell peppers and onions add freshness and texture, creating a well-balanced dish perfect for both casual meals and gatherings.

Timesaving Tips and Variations

A few simple adjustments help cut down on prep time even more, and small ingredient swaps allow for customization to suit different tastes.

• Use Pre-Cooked Bacon: Skip frying bacon by using store-bought fully cooked bacon. Just chop and add it directly to the crock pot.
• Bagged Diced Onions: Replace fresh chopped onions with pre-diced frozen or refrigerated onions to cut down prep time.
• Use a Liner: For easier cleanup, line the crock pot with a disposable slow cooker liner before adding ingredients.
• Spicy Baked Beans: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• Use Brown Sugar: Swap maple syrup for brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness and depth.
• Meat-Free: Omit the bacon and some smoked paprika for a vegetarian version with rich flavor.
• Bean Variety: Substitute or combine with kidney, cannellini, or Great Northern beans.

Small changes make it easy to adjust the recipe while keeping the process simple and enjoyable. Whether tweaking the sweetness or making prep faster, these tips help save time without losing any flavor

What Goes with Baked Beans?

Baked beans pair well with a variety of dishes and their rich, smoky flavor complements both grilled meats and lighter, fresh sides.

• Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
• Maple Cornbread
• Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches
• Grilled Corn on the Cob with Dill Butter
• Creamy Coleslaw with Poppy Seed Dressing

Whether served alongside classic pairings or new favorites, they round out the plate with a comforting texture that ties everything together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ingredients Needed to Make Crock Pot Baked Beans

Every ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect blend of sweetness, smokiness, and rich flavor in baked beans. With a mix of bold sauces and fresh vegetables, each component enhances the dish, making it both hearty and well-rounded.

Essential Ingredients

• Bacon – Adds a smoky, savory depth and enhances the overall flavor.
• Canned baked beans – Provides a soft texture and absorbs the seasonings and sauce.
• Onion – Brings a mild sharpness and natural sweetness as it cooks down.
• Green bell pepper – Adds freshness and a subtle crunch to contrast the richness.
• Barbecue sauce – Infuses the dish with bold, tangy, and smoky notes.
• Maple syrup – Provides a natural sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.
• Dijon mustard – Contributes a slight tang and enhances the complexity of flavors.
• Worcestershire sauce – Deepens the flavor profile with a savory, umami richness.

These ingredients are all easy to find at most grocery stores and are likely already in your pantry or fridge. This recipe is a great way to make something homemade using familiar ingredients that come together effortlessly.

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How to Make Crock Pot Baked Beans

Chop your onions and green bell peppers. Cook bacon until crisp in skillet and then crumble. Add the beans (undrained), vegetables, Dijon mustard, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and crumbled bacon, and maple syrup to the slow cooker. Give it a good mix and cook on low 5 hours or high for 3 hours.

Ready to make these delicious Crock Pot Baked Beans? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a flavorful homemade dish. Don’t forget to print or save the recipe for easy reference and share it with friends and family!

#BBQWeek Recipes

This week marks BBQ Week, a celebration of all things barbecue. Explore a collection of recipes ideal for your next cookout, featuring everything from perfectly grilled poultry to tasty salads, satisfying side dishes, and delectable pies. Find inspiration for a memorable summer gathering.

• Banana Pepper BBQ Ribs from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats from The Spiffy Cookie
• Green Bean and Potato Salad from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
• Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Peach Glaze from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Italian Pasta Salad (REDO) from Our Crafty Mom
• No Bake S’mores Pie from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Purple Margarita from Easy Recipes for One
• Strawberry Limeade from Art of Natural Living

Enjoy!