Crock-Pot Baked Bean Combo
A hearty, smoky baked bean casserole with crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar, and savory seasonings, perfect for family gatherings or comfort food fans.
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans Great Northern beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can green lima beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can dark red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can pork and beans ⓘ
- 4 large onions, sliced into rings ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp; drain on paper towels and crumble.
- To the bacon drippings, add brown sugar, mustard, salt, garlic powder, and cider vinegar; mix well.
- Put the mixture into a crock-pot and cover.
- Set to heat setting #5 and cook for 20 minutes.
- Add all drained beans and crumbled bacon to the crock-pot.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly.
- Cover and reduce the heat to setting #3, and cook for 6 to 8 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a unique twist, try adding a splash of barbecue sauce for extra flavor or substituting maple syrup for brown sugar. If you want to cut back on the bacon, turkey bacon can be a lighter alternative. Make sure to drain the beans thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in the final dish. This recipe pairs beautifully with Martha'S Ham for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked bean combo as a hearty side dish at barbecues or family gatherings. It pairs well with grilled meats, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. For a comforting meal, serve alongside Dad'S Clam Chowder for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the beans. You can also microwave portions in a covered dish, ensuring even heating for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Baked Bean Combo contains roughly 1481 calories, with 21g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1550mg per serving (67% 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 fresh beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans instead of canned. Just soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the crock-pot. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked before mixing with other ingredients.
What can I do if the beans are too sweet?
If your baked beans turn out too sweet, balance the flavor by adding a splash of vinegar or a dash of hot sauce. You can also stir in some diced tomatoes to add acidity, which will help cut through the sweetness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use a plant-based bacon alternative or sautéed mushrooms for a smoky flavor. You can also enhance the dish with extra spices like smoked paprika to maintain depth without the meat.
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).