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Easy Slow Cooker Baked Beans Recipe for the Best Hearty Meal

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A simple, hearty slow cooker baked beans recipe that transforms pantry staples into a rich, smoky, and satisfying main dish perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (about 200g) dry Great Northern beans or Navy beans, soaked overnight or quick-soaked
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped (or smoked turkey bacon for leaner option)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons molasses (unsulphured preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cups (24 fl oz) water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (200g) of dry Great Northern beans and soak overnight in cold water, covering beans with at least 2 inches (5 cm) of water. For quick soak, boil beans for 2 minutes, then cover and let sit for 1 hour before draining.
  2. Chop 4 slices of bacon into small pieces. Finely dice 1 medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until just starting to crisp, about 4 minutes. Remove excess grease if desired, keeping some for richness.
  4. Add chopped onion and garlic to the bacon pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Drain the soaked beans and add them to the slow cooker. Pour in the cooked bacon, onion, and garlic mixture.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons molasses, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
  7. Pour in 3 cups (24 fl oz) of water or low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring beans are submerged. Stir to combine.
  8. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until beans are tender but hold their shape and sauce thickens to a rich, syrupy texture.
  9. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness as needed. For thicker beans, remove lid and cook on high for the last 30 minutes.
  10. Let the beans sit uncovered for 5-10 minutes off heat to thicken slightly and let flavors settle. Serve warm.

Notes

Soaking beans is essential for even cooking and texture. Cooking bacon and onions before adding to slow cooker builds flavor depth. Adjust salt at the end to avoid toughening beans. If beans seem dry during cooking, add more water or broth. For thicker sauce, cook uncovered on high for last 30 minutes. Vegetarian version: omit bacon and use vegetable broth with smoked paprika or liquid smoke.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker baked beans, easy baked beans, hearty meal, comfort food, slow cooker recipe, baked beans main dish, smoky baked beans

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-slow-cooker-baked-beans-recipe-for-the-best-hearty-meal/