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Comforting Crockpot Baked Beans Recipe with Brown Sugar and Bacon

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A cozy and easy-to-make baked beans recipe featuring brown sugar and bacon, slow-cooked in a crockpot for deep, sweet, and smoky flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dry Great Northern or Navy beans, soaked overnight or quick-soaked
  • 6 strips bacon, chopped (thick-cut recommended)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound of dry beans under cold water. Soak overnight in a large bowl with plenty of water, or quick soak by covering beans with water, bringing to a boil for 2 minutes, then removing from heat and letting sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Cook 6 chopped bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the bacon fat and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Transfer sautéed onions and garlic to the crockpot. Add soaked beans, cooked bacon, brown sugar, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and water or chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika or cayenne if using. Adjust seasoning after cooking if needed.
  6. Cover crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until beans are tender but not falling apart. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. If sauce is too liquidy, remove lid and cook on high for the last 20 minutes to thicken.
  8. Serve warm as a side dish or with grilled meats or cornbread.

Notes

Use soaked dry beans for best texture; canned beans may become mushy. Keep slow cooker lid closed to retain heat and moisture. Adjust salt after cooking. For vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or liquid smoke and use vegetable broth. To thicken sauce, remove lid and cook on high for last 20 minutes.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/comforting-crockpot-baked-beans-recipe-with-brown-sugar-and-bacon-easy-to-make/