Summer cookouts, family reunions, and backyard barbecues are a cinch with this easy Slow Cooker Baked Beans recipe in your pocket! They combine the classic, savory flavors of barbecue sauce, mustard, and bacon to create a timeless dish that takes no time at all and is sure to be the best baked beans you’ve ever had!
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Some of my best childhood memories are of family reunions up in Idaho where grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins would load picnic tables with all the best potluck dishes like cottage cheese jello salad, macaroni salad, broccoli salad, and of course, plenty of baked beans.
Barbecue baked beans have been a beloved side dish for generations, and you always see them at summer cookouts and large family gatherings. I like to scoop mine up with ruffled potato chips!
This slow cooker version is a classic recipe that uses a combination of barbecue sauce, mustard, and bacon to create a savory sauce that is both rich and sweet, enhancing the beans’ natural flavors. And this easy baked beans recipe makes a big batch so there’s plenty to go around.
For more delicious bean recipes, check out my Instant Pot Pork and Beans, Best Baked Beans Recipe, Instant Pot Refried Beans, Frijoles Charros (Charro Beans), and Brazilian Black Beans Without A Pressure Cooker!
Why We Love This Recipe
- You can set it up in the morning and have delicious baked beans ready by dinner time without needing to monitor the cooking process constantly.
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor!
- Leftovers will still taste amazing the next day, and can be enjoyed in different ways throughout the week, such as a filling for baked potatoes or as a topping for hot dogs.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Baked Beans – Canned beans form the base of the dish and provide a hearty texture.
- Bacon Strips – Adds a smoky, savory flavor. You can substitute with turkey bacon for a healthier option.
- Yellow Onion – Provides a sweet, aromatic base.
- Barbecue Sauce – Adds a rich, tangy flavor.
- Yellow Mustard – Adds a subtle tanginess and depth.
- Minced Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of spice.
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Baked Beans
- Prepare the bacon. Partially cook the bacon in a skillet to render some of the fat. Transfer the bacon to a cutting board and roughly chop. This step helps to ensure that the bacon will cook evenly and impart its smoky flavor throughout the beans.
- Mix the ingredients. Place the baked beans, chopped bacon, onion, barbecue sauce, mustard, and minced garlic in a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. This will help the flavors meld together as they cook.
- Cook. Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The dish is ready when the onions are tender and cooked through.
- Final Touches. Once the beans are cooked, stir them well to ensure everything is fully mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more bbq sauce, mustard, or even a bit of salt and black pepper to suit your taste.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, you can use my recipe for Instant Pot Pork and Beans to make homemade slow cooker baked beans from scratch with dry beans. This is a longer cooking process and will require soaking the beans overnight to reduce the cooking time and improve texture, as well as a few other ingredients such as 1 cup ketchup, tomato paste, and a cooking liquid like chicken stock or water.
Turkey bacon or a bit of smoked sausage can be good substitutes for pork bacon. Try using salt pork for a meat with a less smokey flavor.
Leftover beans can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Yes, baked beans can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips for Success
- While this recipe calls for canned baked beans, you can experiment with different types of beans like navy beans, kidney beans, or great northern beans, using my recipe for Instant Pot Pork and Beans. Each type of bean offers a unique texture and flavor.
- While the slow cooker does most of the work, it’s good to check the beans occasionally to ensure they’re not overcooked. If they’re too thick, you can add a bit of water or broth.
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce towards the end of cooking can brighten the flavors a bit. A bit of chili powder or diced jalapeños can add a spicy kick if desired.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding dark brown sugar, light brown sugar, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
What To Serve With BBQ Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic side dish for summer cookouts and barbecues. The savory and slightly sweet flavor complements the smoky taste of grilled meats like ribs, chicken, and brisket, or grilled vegetables like corn on the cob, bell peppers, and zucchini.
Bread helps to soak up the delicious sauce and makes for a satisfying meal, so you can serve the beans with cornbread, dinner rolls, or crusty bread.
A fresh green salad or coleslaw can balance out the richness of the baked beans. The crisp texture and tangy dressing provide a nice contrast.
Substitutions and Variations
- You can use a mix of different beans like pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, or small white beans for a varied texture if using my Homemade Baked Beans Recipe.
- Add some dark brown sugar, light brown sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup to enhance the sweetness.
- Replace chopped thin bacon slices with thick-cut bacon, diced ham, salt pork, sliced sausages or hot dogs, or a ham bone for a different flavor.
- Experiment with different barbecue sauces to find your favorite flavor profile.
- Try using different kinds of mustard, such as dijon mustard or wholegrain mustard. If using a stronger mustard, reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the dish – add a small amount and increase it until the flavor is right.
Classic BBQ Slow Cooker Baked Beans (Crock Pot Baked Beans)
Ingredients
- 2 (28-ounce) cans baked beans
- 6 strips bacon
- 1/2 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
Instructions
- Partially cook the bacon in a skillet to render some of the fat. Transfer to a cutting board and roughly chop.6 strips bacon
- Place all ingredients in a 4-6 quart slow cooker and mix well.2 (28-ounce) cans baked beans, ½ large yellow onion,, ½ cup barbecue sauce, 2 teaspoons yellow mustard, 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. Cook until the onions have cooked through.
Notes
Storage
- Store: Store leftover beans in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
More of My Best Slow Cooker Recipes
- Crockpot Cubed Steak
- Mexican Shredded Beef Barbacoa
- Creamy Crockpot Italian Chicken
- Easy Old-Fashioned Porcupine Meatballs
- Crockpot Apple Butter
- Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Crockpot Pork Green Chili Stew
- Cowboy Stew
Dinner
Oven BBQ Beef Brisket
Beef & Lamb
Korean Short Ribs Recipe
One Pot & Sheet Pan Meals
