Homemade Slow Cooker Baked Beans

These Homemade Slow Cooker Baked Beans are the perfect comfort food, packed with savory bacon, tender beans, and a rich, sweet, and smoky sauce. Made with pinto, kidney, and northern white beans, this recipe is ideal for family dinners, barbecues, and holiday gatherings. Easy to prepare in a slow cooker, this dish combines ketchup, molasses, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and mustard for a flavor-packed side dish. Whether you like them sweet or spicy, these baked beans are fully customizable to your taste. A must-try for anyone looking for a crowd-pleasing, hearty, and flavorful side dish!

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces uncooked bacon, diced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can northern white beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup molasses
• ¼ cup spicy BBQ sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce, sweet if preferred)
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar (or substitute coconut sugar)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tablespoon yellow mustard (or substitute Dijon mustard)

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:
   • In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium-low heat until crispy and golden brown. If the pan starts to smoke, reduce the heat. Once cooked, blot the bacon with paper towels to remove excess grease and set it aside to cool.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   • Drain the excess bacon grease, leaving a little in the pan. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until softened and slightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, then remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Beans:
   • In a slow cooker, add the drained pinto, kidney, and northern beans. Then, add the cooked bacon and the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
4. Add the Sauce Ingredients:
   • Stir in the ketchup, molasses, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined.
5. Cook the Beans:
   • Cover and cook the beans on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours, until they are tender and flavorful. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Savory and Sweet: These slow cooker baked beans are perfectly balanced with a rich, smoky flavor from the bacon, complemented by the sweetness of molasses, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce.
• Convenient: Made in a slow cooker, this recipe requires minimal hands-on time and is perfect for busy days or gatherings.
• Versatile: Customize the heat level by adjusting the BBQ sauce or mustard to your preference. The hearty mix of three types of beans makes these beans extra flavorful and filling.

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Tips

• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter baked beans, use a sweeter BBQ sauce or add extra brown sugar to taste.
• Make Ahead: These baked beans taste even better the next day, making them great for leftovers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Consistency: For thicker baked beans, cook them uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Beans: You can substitute any of the beans in the recipe with other varieties, such as black beans or navy beans, for a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use olive oil or plant-based bacon for a vegetarian version. You can also add more spices to boost flavor.
• BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different flavors of BBQ sauce, like smoky or tangy, depending on your personal taste preferences.

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FAQs

Can I make these beans without a slow cooker? Yes! You can cook the beans in a large pot on the stovetop. Simmer them over low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld.

Can I freeze baked beans? Yes, these baked beans freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I make the beans spicier? Yes, if you like spicy beans, you can add a chopped jalapeño, hot sauce, or spicy BBQ sauce to increase the heat.

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Serving

Serve these homemade slow cooker baked beans as a side dish with grilled meats, burgers, or pulled pork. They also pair wonderfully with cornbread or as a filling for baked potatoes.

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Suggestions

• Top with Cheese: For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beans during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Add a Protein: Turn these beans into a full meal by adding cooked chicken, sausage, or even pulled pork to the slow cooker.
• Side Dish Pairing: Serve alongside coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete, hearty meal.