There’s something about the classic comfort of baked beans with smoky bacon that transports me back to summer cookouts and family gatherings. My Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Bacon is a recipe that manages to encapsulate all those warm, cozy feelings in one pot. Perfect for those busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you, this dish is a set-it-and-forget-it wonder that has become a staple in my kitchen. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. It’s the perfect side for barbecued meats like pulled pork or grilled chicken. For a complete meal, serve these beans alongside a fresh green salad and some cornbread. If you’re feeling adventurous, top the beans with a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for an extra crunch!
Slow Cooker Baked Beans with BaconServings: 8
Ingredients
1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
6 strips of bacon, chopped
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup molasses
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cups water or enough to cover the beans
1 bay leaf
Directions
1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it begins to crisp up. Remove the bacon and set aside, reserving the grease in the pan.
2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet, and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Transfer the bacon, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the soaked and drained navy beans.
4. Stir in molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
5. Add enough water to cover the beans. Toss in the bay leaf.
6. Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 8 to 10 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm.
Variations & Tips
For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and add a smoky depth with smoked paprika or liquid smoke. To spice things up, throw in some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. For a sweeter take, mix in some chopped apples during the last hour of cooking. And if you’re in a pinch, canned beans can speed up the process, though using dry beans is truly worth the effort for that perfect texture.
