Slow Cooker Crockpot Baked Beans With Bacon

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Listen, no Southern cookout is complete without a pan of baked beans sitting next to the ribs and potato salad. This Crockpot version is how I get that slow-simmered, smoky flavor with almost no effort. My Louisiana roots taught me how to build bold flavor from simple ingredients, and these beans bring the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with crispy bacon in every bite. I’ve made cookout sides for years, and this recipe is dependable and exactly the kind of comfort food people expect when they pull up to the table.

baked beans in a slow cooker Crockpot with a wooden spoon

There's something incredibly comforting about a pot of baked beans simmering away, filling the kitchen with a savory, smoky aroma. You will also love our Homemade Pork and Beans.

Table of Contents

Crockpot Baked Beans Ingredients

Beans: You can use any canned baked beans. For Southern-style beans, navy and pinto beans are commonly used. These beans are favored for their ability to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce and their creamy texture when cooked. I use vegetarian canned baked beans because I want the flavors from the recipe to shine. I want the dish to taste like it's been made with fresh bacon.
Bacon
Onions
Garlic
BBQ Sauce
Ketchup
Chili Powder
Brown Sugar or Sweetener
Salt and Pepper to taste

BBQ sauce, ketchup, and diced onions in a glass bowl

chili powder, brown sugar, and garlic in a white bowl

How to Make Slow Cooker Crockpot Baked Beans

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Add canned baked beans, ketchup, BBQ sauce, bacon, onions, garlic chili powder, brown sugar or sweetener, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker.
Slow cook.

collage of 4 photos with baked beans, BBQ sauce, and spices in a Crockpot slow cooker

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slow cooker Crockpot baked beans in a white bowl

Slow Cooker Crockpot Southern Baked Beans With Bacon

Brandi Crawford

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 10

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings cups

Calories 189 kcal

Want to save this recipe for later?

I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also grab your FREE ebook with my best 30-minute one-pot meals! Dinner stress stops here.

Equipment

Slow Cooker

Ingredients

4 slices bacon Cooked and crumbled.
1 cup chopped onions
2 garlic cloves Minced.
2 28 oz canned baked beans I use vegetarian. Not drained.
1 cup BBQ sauce
½ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon chili powder This amount will give the beans a kick. If you don't want a dose of spice omit it or start with ½ teaspoon and continue to taste and build.
2-4 tablespoons brown sugar or sweetener I typically use 3. See notes.

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to a slow cooker. Mine is 7 quart. Stir to combine.
If cooking on High, they usually take about 2 ½-4 hours. I like to cook them for 3 hours on High.
If cooking on Low, they usually take 4-6 hours.
Open the pot and stir. The beans should be tender but not mushy. When you bite into a bean, it should be soft all the way through without any hardness or graininess in the center. Press a bean between your fingers or on the edge of a spoon. It should easily mash without much resistance.
Taste repeatedly and adjust spices as necessary. Cool before serving.

Notes

Any bacon will work for this recipe including turkey.

I don't find chili powder spicy, but some people do! So if you don't want spicy beans omit the chili powder or start with a ½ teaspoon and continue to adjust to taste.

I like for a moderate taste of sweetness so I use 3 tablespoons of brown sugar or sweetener. If you want them to be really sweet use ¼ cup.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 189kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 7gFat: 1g

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Nutrition Data

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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Substitution and Add-ins Ideas

Smoked Sausage
Pulled Pork
Mustard
Bell Peppers
Jalapenos
Smoked Paprika
Thyme
Beer
Pineapple

slow cooker Crockpot baked beans in a white bowl with a wooden spoon

Frequently Asked Questions and Recipe Pro Tips

How can I use dry beans in this recipe?

If using dried beans, soak them overnight. This reduces cooking time. You can also use the quick soak method and boil a large pot of water on the stove. Once the temperature reaches boiling, remove the pot from heat and add the beans. Allow the beans to soak for at least one hour. Slow cook on Low for 7-10 hours.

Not soaking them in advance will likely add a couple of hours to your cooking time.

How long does it take to cook baked beans in the slow cooker?

Every slow cooker model cooks at varying speeds. It's imperative you keep a close watch to understand the time the dish will need using the slow cooker you have. If cooking on high, they usually take about 2 ½-4 hours. I like to cook them for 3 hours on High.

If cooking on low, they usually take 4-6 hours.

How can I tell when the beans have finished cooking?

The beans should be tender but not mushy. When you bite into a bean, it should be soft all the way through without any hardness or graininess in the center. Press a bean between your fingers or on the edge of a spoon. It should easily mash without much resistance.

How do I thicken the sauce?

The sauce should be thick and rich, coating the beans well. If the sauce is too watery, the beans need more cooking time. If the sauce is not thickening, you can remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

You should also be careful not to add too many liquids to your dish. This will result in runny texture.

Are the baked beans spicy?

I don't find the dish spicy. The recipe does call for chili powder. Most store-bought chili powders are designed to be mild to moderately spicy to appeal to a wide range of palates. They typically use mild chili peppers, resulting in a subtle heat. If you know you have a strong aversion to spice, you can omit it.

How can I add ground beef?

Cook your ground beef on the stove. I recommend seasoning it first with at least salt and peppers. Add it in with the remaining ingredients.

How do I make a large batch for a crowd?

As written, the recipe should feed plenty of people if you are serving multiple side dishes. You can easily double or triple the recipe for really large groups. Simply double the ingredients and the cook time should remain around the same, just keep a watchful eye.

Can I make these ahead of time? How to Store.

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Making them in advance can enhance their flavor as the ingredients have more time to meld together.

Freezer Tips

Place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat

You can reheat them in the microwave, on the stove, or in the oven (at 350 degrees) until warm.

If the beans seem too thick when reheating, add a splash of water, broth, or a bit of extra sauce to reach the desired consistency. Stir occasionally while reheating to ensure even warming and to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot or dish.