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Easy Slow Cooker Baked Beans Recipe for Perfect Hearty Family Meals

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A hearty, smoky, and sweet slow cooker baked beans recipe that’s perfect for family meals and gatherings. This easy recipe uses simple pantry staples and slow cooking to achieve tender, flavorful beans with a rich sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) dry navy beans, rinsed and sorted
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) ketchup
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • About 4 cups (960 ml) water or low-sodium broth

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 lb (450 g) dry navy beans under cold water, picking out any debris or damaged beans. For best results, soak overnight in plenty of water (optional).
  2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook 4 chopped bacon slices until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and drain excess fat, reserving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with bacon fat. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Transfer the sautéed onion, garlic, and cooked bacon to the slow cooker. Add rinsed beans, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Pour in about 4 cups (960 ml) water or low-sodium broth, stirring gently to combine. Ensure beans are covered by about an inch of liquid; add more if needed.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or until beans are tender and sauce has thickened. Check occasionally after 6 hours and add water if mixture looks too dry.
  7. Before serving, stir the beans and taste. Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a drizzle of apple cider vinegar if desired.
  8. Optional: For thicker beans, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to allow liquid to evaporate.

Notes

Soaking beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility but is optional. Browning bacon and sautéing aromatics adds depth of flavor. Monitor liquid levels during cooking and add water or broth if needed. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth. Beans taste better the next day after flavors meld. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker baked beans, easy baked beans, family meals, hearty beans, slow cooker recipes, baked beans recipe, smoky baked beans, sweet baked beans

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-slow-cooker-baked-beans-recipe-for-perfect-hearty-family-meals/