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Cozy Crockpot Baked Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar

cozy crockpot baked beans - featured image
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A warm, comforting baked beans recipe made easy in the crockpot with smoky bacon and sweet brown sugar, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups dry navy beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 ½ cups of dry navy beans and soak them in cold water overnight (8-12 hours).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 6 slices of chopped bacon until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Add 1 finely diced medium yellow onion to the bacon fat. Cook until translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Drain the soaked beans and rinse under cold water.
  5. Add the soaked beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onions and garlic to the crockpot. Pour in ½ cup ketchup, ½ cup packed dark brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt to taste, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Pour in 2 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth, making sure the beans are covered by about an inch. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beans are tender but not mushy and sauce is thickened.
  8. About 30 minutes before serving, taste the beans and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness if needed. If sauce is too runny, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes to reduce.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

If beans soak up too much liquid but aren’t tender yet, add a splash of water during cooking. Stir gently a couple of times during cooking to prevent sticking without breaking up the beans. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika plus liquid smoke, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To thicken sauce quickly, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, crockpot, slow cooker, bacon, brown sugar, comfort food, easy dinner, slow cooked beans

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/cozy-crockpot-baked-beans-with-bacon-and-brown-sugar-recipe-made-easy/