These homemade crockpot baked beans with bacon are as delicious as they are easy. A classic recipe made with simple ingredients, they’re the perfect side dish for so many great recipes. They’re also a great addition for any potluck or game day gathering.
Original post: September 2017 | Post updated: April 2023 and November 2024
Why This Easy Baked Beans Recipe Works
- With just a tiny bit of effort, this easy slow cooker recipe creates the perfect side dish or party food.
- Creating slow cooker baked beans is definitely the way to go. You’ll have one less pot on the stove top and you can keep your kitchen cool on hot summer days.
- The sauce has the most perfect savory flavor, with a touch of sweetness.
- Bacon makes everything better!
- It’s an upgrade from the canned stuff, but without much effort on your end. Slow cooker recipes are so easy!
- I wish I could adequately explain how delicious they are. They really are the best baked beans.
- Great addition to game day party spreads or summer BBQ cookouts.
For years I avoided making from-scratch baked beans and ate the canned kind you just open and heat on the stove. Then I discovered a happy middle ground with this Crockpot Baked Beans recipe that is far easier than making them from scratch and only a little more difficult than opening a can.
The savory sauce of these slow-cooked beans has a perfectly balanced flavor. And of course bacon makes everything better! This great recipe is the perfect side dish for any family dinner, potluck or game day get-together.
This tasty recipe is also the perfect summer recipe because you don’t have to heat the whole house just to make it. Also great for holidays when stove and oven space are at a premium.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Baked Beans
This easy recipe only requires a handful of ingredients you probably already have!
Bacon – Cook and chop before adding. Replace with cooked ground beef or sausage, if desired, or omit meat entirely for a meat free recipe.
Kidney beans – Can be replaced with pinto beans, cannellini, navy beans or great northern beans.
Pork and beans – Use your favorite brand.
Yellow onion – White onion can also be used.
Brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar will work.
Ketchup and Mustard
Worcestershire sauce – The secret star of the show.
Salt and pepper – Keep the seasonings simple!
How to Make Crockpot Baked Beans
This delicious slow cooker baked bean recipe couldn’t be easier to make. Just combine the ingredients in the crockpot, give it a stir, and set to cook.
Step 1
Combine all ingredients in a large slow cooker.
Mix well.
Step 2
Cook on Low heat for 6-7 hours or High heat for 3-4 hours.
Stir a few times throughout the cooking process, if possible.
Serve warm!
Recipe Notes & Tips
- If you’re looking for more high fiber recipes, check out this delicious high protein bean salad.
- Cook the raw bacon on the stove top or in the oven! My favorite way to cook a pound of bacon is by placing it in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for 12-15 minutes. How much bacon you add is completely up to you!
- Use thick-cut bacon for bigger chunks.
- A splash of apple cider vinegar will tame the sweetness if you find you’ve added too much sugar.
- Add up to 1/4 cup of your favorite bbq sauce to add an extra zing to the recipe.
- A few drops of liquid smoke add a nice smoky flavor to this dish.
- If you have leftover ham from a ham bone, chop some up and throw it in!
- Chopped green bell peppers add the perfect crunch and flavor.
- For a sweeter flavor, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- Use a fish-free Worcestershire if you are allergic or avoid
- And for fun, how about throwing in some sliced hot dogs!
Pressure Cooker Baked Beans Recipe
If you’re looking for an even faster recipe, my easy Instant Pot Baked Beans are made from scratch using dry beans with no soaking required! Your pressure cooker will transform those simple beans into a flavorful side dish in a fraction of the time!
What To Eat With Baked Beans
Baked beans are such a great addition to so many different dinners I even created a post for 21 delicious ideas about what to serve with baked beans.
A small selection of the recipes in that roundup include:
- Marinated steak bites
- BBQ Ribs
- Hamburgers and hot dogs, of course
- Sloppy Joes or Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Sausage cheese dip
What To Do With Leftover Baked Beans
- Throw them into your next batch of chili!
- Combine with veggies such as onions, bell peppers and tomatoes to create a salad. Drizzle a little olive oil into the mix, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Spoon some of the mixture over BBQ Pork Sandwiches.
- They act as the perfect quesadilla, burrito or taco filling.
- Top a baked potato with a couple spoonfuls and top with some shredded cheese.
How Long Do Baked Beans Last In The Fridge
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, baked beans will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Make sure you allow them to cool completely before covering with the lid to keep condensation from forming. Store in the colder part of your refrigerator.
Can You Freeze Cooked Baked Beans
You can freeze cooked baked beans for up to 6 months. Place the cooled baked beans in a freezer safe bag, allowing a little space for expansion. Lay the bag flat, seal and date. Store the bag flat so the beans freeze in an even layer for quicker defrosting. Thaw completely before reheating.
How to Reheat
Reheat baked beans on the stovetop or in the microwave.
On the Stove – Place the beans in a saucepan with a little extra liquid and heat on medium heat for 7-10 minutes, stirring often, until evenly heated through.
In the Microwave – Place the beans in a microwave safe dish and heat on high for 2 minutes. Stir and heat again for another 2-3 minutes until hot.
More Summer Side Dish Recipes
- Easy Coleslaw with ACV
- Instant Pot Potato Salad
- Best Deviled Eggs Ever
- Classic Chopped Salad
- Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
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Easy Crockpot Baked Beans With Bacon Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon cooked and chopped
- 15 oz kidney beans
- 30 oz pork and beans 2 cans
- 1 yellow onion chopped, substitute white onion
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large slow cooker.
- Mix well and cook on Low heat for 6-7 hours or High heat for 3-4 hours.
- Stir a few times throughout the cooking process, if possible. Serve warm!
Notes
- Cook the raw bacon on the stove top or in the oven! My favorite way to cook a pound of bacon is by placing it in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for 12-15 minutes. How much bacon you add is completely up to you!
- Use thick-cut bacon for bigger chunks.
- A splash of apple cider vinegar will tame the sweetness if you find you’ve added too much sugar.
- Add up to 1/4 cup of your favorite bbq sauce to add an extra zing to the recipe.
- A few drops of liquid smoke add a nice smoky flavor to this dish.
- If you have leftover ham from a ham bone, chop some up and throw it in!
- Chopped green bell peppers add the perfect crunch and flavor.
- For a sweeter flavor, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- Use a fish-free Worcestershire if you are allergic or avoid
- And for fun, how about throwing in some sliced hot dogs!
Is that two cans of 30 oz beans or just two 15-oz cans, totaling 30 oz? Sorry, but I just want to be sure.
Hi Staci, It’s 2 cans totalling 30oz. The shaded grey portion of recipe (within the recipe card) adds that detail. Sorry it wasn’t clear!
i think i am missing something, my kidney beans are still very hard after the full 8 hours in the crockpot on low. great flavor, but they’re not edible. what have i don’t wrong?
Hi Meg,
It sounds like you used uncooked kidney beans. This recipe is using a 15oz can of kidney beans that are already cooked. You can for sure use uncooked beans but this recipe doesn’t account for cooking them while in the crock pot at this time. Hope that helps! Sorry for the confusion.
Sounds good!