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Slow Cooker Baked Beans

Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Baked Beans for Cozy Gatherings

Enjoy the rich and smoky flavors of Slow Cooker Baked Beans, perfect for gatherings or cozy meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beans
  • 2 cups Dried Navy Beans Substitute with Great Northern or small white beans if needed.
  • 6 cups Water or Low-Sodium Chicken Broth Using broth will enhance flavor.
For the Sauce
  • 15 oz Tomato Sauce or Thick Tomato Puree Tomato puree can produce a thicker sauce.
  • 1 cup Ketchup A low-sugar version can be used.
  • 1/2 cup Unsulfured Molasses Dark molasses can be a richer substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Light or Dark Brown Sugar Use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
  • 1/4 cup Maple Syrup or Honey Honey can be substituted for maple syrup.
  • 2 tbsp Yellow or Dijon Mustard Dijon will add a sharper taste.
  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar White vinegar can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce Vegan Worcestershire is available.
For Flavor
  • 4 slices Thick-Cut Bacon Omit for vegetarian version.
  • 1 medium Medium Yellow Onion Sweet onions can be an alternative.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
  • 2 tsp Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder Adjust according to heat preference.
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper Freshly ground provides best taste.
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt Adjust amount if using table salt.
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper or Red Pepper Flakes Omit for a milder dish.
  • 1 cup Diced Green Bell Pepper Any bell pepper can substitute.
  • 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce Choose your favorite brand.
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce or Tamari Use tamari for gluten-free option.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • skillet
  • large bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Soak the dried navy beans overnight in water, then drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Cook the thick-cut bacon in a skillet until crispy, about 5-7 minutes; remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. Sauté the medium yellow onion in the same skillet until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Combine soaked navy beans, crumbled bacon, and the onion-garlic mixture in the slow cooker, then add sauces and stir well.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW heat for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.
  6. Adjust sauce consistency as needed by switching to HIGH heat for 20-30 minutes uncovered if too thin or adding water if too thick.
  7. Serve directly from the slow cooker, allowing guests to help themselves.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 15gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best results, soak beans overnight and use high-quality ingredients.

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