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Savory Crockpot Baked Beans Recipe with Brown Sugar and Bacon

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A hearty and flavorful baked beans recipe slow-cooked with smoky bacon and brown sugar, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cans (15 oz each) navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water or broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper)

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the canned beans in a colander. Chop the bacon into small pieces and dice the onion finely. Mince the garlic cloves.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy and golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving some bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add the diced onion to the bacon fat in the skillet and cook until softened and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic for the last 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  4. Add the drained beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Stir in brown sugar, tomato paste, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and water or broth.
  5. Sprinkle in salt and pepper. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours until beans are tender and sauce is thick and bubbly. Alternatively, cook on high for 3-4 hours, checking for doneness occasionally.
  7. Before serving, taste the beans and add more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if needed to brighten flavors.

Notes

Do not skip sautéing bacon, onion, and garlic to add depth of flavor. Keep the crockpot lid sealed during cooking to lock in moisture. If beans get dry, add a splash of water or broth. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Can substitute maple syrup for brown sugar for deeper sweetness. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce for gluten-free diet.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, crockpot, slow cooker, bacon, brown sugar, easy recipe, comfort food, side dish, barbecue

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/savory-crockpot-baked-beans-recipe-with-brown-sugar-and-bacon-easy-and-perfect/