There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of slow cooker baked beans. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – a combination of tender beans, rich spices, and a slightly sweet sauce that slowly melds together in the slow cooker.

Baked beans have been a staple in American kitchens for generations, especially as a favorite side dish at cookouts and family gatherings.

While the canned versions are convenient, making baked beans from scratch in a slow cooker brings an unbeatable depth of flavor and a homemade touch that canned beans just can’t replicate.

With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can prepare the beans in advance and have them ready for when you need them, making them a perfect dish for busy days.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: One of the biggest advantages of making baked beans in a slow cooker is how easy it is. With just a few simple ingredients, you can throw everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it.
Versatile and Customizable: Slow cooker baked beans are incredibly versatile. You can adjust the sweetness, add more or less spice, and customize the flavors to suit your tastes.

Perfect for Large Gatherings: If you’re hosting a family reunion, potluck, or holiday meal, slow cooker baked beans are a great option.
Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker is a lifesaver for busy individuals and families. Once you’ve combined your ingredients, all you need to do is let the slow cooker do its job.
A Comforting Classic: There’s something inherently comforting about baked beans. The rich, sweet sauce and tender beans create a dish that feels like home, and it’s perfect for all occasions.

Ingredients

To make your own slow cooker baked beans, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Beans:
- 1 lb dried navy beans (or other white beans)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth (for cooking)
- Optional: 4-6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Step-by-Step Instructions

Soak the Beans: Start by soaking your dried navy beans overnight in a large bowl of water. This will help soften the beans and reduce the cooking time. If you’re short on time, you can use the quick soak method: bring the beans to a boil in a pot of water, then remove from heat, cover, and let them sit for about an hour.
Drain and Rinse the Beans: After soaking, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly to remove any debris or impurities. This will ensure that your beans cook evenly and taste fresh.
Combine the Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the soaked beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, brown sugar, maple syrup, molasses, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add ketchup and 1 cup of water or vegetable broth to the slow cooker and stir to combine. If you’re adding bacon, stir the crumbled bacon into the mixture as well for extra flavor.

Cook the Beans: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir the beans occasionally, and make sure they’re cooking evenly. If the beans start to look dry, add a little more water or broth to keep them moist.
Check for Doneness: After the cooking time, check the beans to ensure they’re tender and cooked through. If they’re not quite done, continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, adding more liquid if necessary.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the beans are cooked to your desired consistency, serve them hot. They make a perfect side dish for grilled meats, burgers, or a classic BBQ spread. Pair them with cornbread, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Variations

Spicy Baked Beans: If you love a little heat, try adding diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beans. This will give your baked beans a nice spicy kick to balance the sweetness.
Vegetarian Baked Beans: Skip the bacon for a vegetarian version of these baked beans. You can add more flavor by using vegetable broth instead of water and increasing the amount of spices or adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Sweet and Smoky: If you want a deeper smoky flavor, add 1-2 teaspoons of liquid smoke or use smoked paprika. This will give your baked beans a rich, smoky undertone that pairs wonderfully with BBQ.

Bacon and Onion: For an extra indulgent touch, increase the amount of bacon or sauté the onions in bacon fat for added flavor. The crispy bacon bits will enhance the texture and richness of the beans.

How to Serve

Slow cooker baked beans can be served as a side dish or as the star of the show. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats like ribs, chicken, or sausages, but they also make a great vegetarian main dish when paired with cornbread.

To balance the richness of the beans, serve them with something light like a green salad or slaw.