Print

Cozy Brown Sugar Bacon Baked Beans Slow Cooker Recipe Easy and Delicious

brown sugar bacon baked beans - featured image
Print Recipe

A warm and comforting slow cooker baked beans recipe featuring smoky bacon and sweet brown sugar, perfect for cozy gatherings and easy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) baked beans (optional)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) molasses (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the canned beans to reduce excess sodium and give a cleaner taste. Dice the onion finely and chop the thick-cut bacon into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it releases its fat but isn’t fully crisp yet, about 5 minutes. Add the diced onion and sauté together until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Add the drained beans and baked beans (if using) into the slow cooker insert. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir gently to coat everything evenly. Then add the bacon and onion mixture on top.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook for about 6 hours, stirring gently halfway through cooking.
  6. About 10 minutes before serving, taste the beans and adjust salt, pepper, or brown sugar if needed. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of water or broth; if too thin, leave the lid off for a bit to reduce.
  7. Let the beans sit for 5 minutes with the lid off before serving to help the sauce thicken and flavors settle.

Notes

Brown the bacon and onions before adding to the slow cooker for richer flavor. Stir gently during cooking to avoid breaking beans. Adjust sweetness or tanginess by modifying brown sugar or adding vinegar/lemon juice. Can cook on high for 3 hours if short on time but flavor depth will be less. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/cozy-brown-sugar-bacon-baked-beans-slow-cooker-recipe-easy-and-delicious/