Baked Beans In A Crock-Pot
Hearty baked beans cooked slowly in a crock-pot, infused with smoky bacon, sweet molasses, and tangy ketchup, perfect for family gatherings and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Presoak the navy beans in cold water for 4 to 5 hours.
- Place all ingredients into the crock-pot, including soaked beans, ketchup, water, molasses, diced bacon, diced onion, brown sugar, dry mustard, and salt.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 10 to 12 hours, adding more water if necessary.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce. If you don’t have navy beans, great northern or pinto beans work well as substitutes. To save time, you can use canned beans; just reduce the cooking time accordingly. For a vegetarian twist, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms for depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these baked beans as a hearty side dish at barbecues or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with grilled meats, especially ribs or burgers. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Caesar Potato Salad or cornbread. They also make a great filling for wraps or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water if they seem too thick. They also freeze well; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Beans In A Crock-Pot contains roughly 580 calories, with 12g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2274mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other beans for this recipe?
Yes, while navy beans are traditional, you can substitute with great northern or pinto beans. Just keep in mind that different beans may alter the cooking time slightly, so adjust accordingly to ensure they are tender.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, include diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the mixture. You can also serve with a side of hot sauce on the table for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can soak the beans the night before and assemble all ingredients in the crock-pot the day of. Just refrigerate overnight and cook the next day. This makes it a convenient option for busy days.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).