Forget the pre-made baked beans in a can, you can make these Slow Cooker Baked Beans at home and run some errands while these simmer in your slow cooker or crockpot. Your weekend cookout just got that much easier, and even more delicious!

The Best Baked Beans

Summer cookouts will never be the same!

I was in the grocery store reaching for baked beans in the aisle. The one that has bacon bits that have been sitting in that can for who-knows-how-long and has an artificial sugary taste.

Buying a can is easy, but I knew there had to be a way where I can use ingredients I love and it could be just as timesaving. Surprise, there was!

Baked bean recipes can vary wildly based on the region where you are enjoying them. I personally like kidney beans in mine but some think this is a no-no.

Other recipes are very strict and only use great northern beans. I say, use what you love because it’s all about the sauce!

This easy baked beans recipe has the world’s easiest prep, and only three hours of cook time in the crockpot. Not only do you have three extra hours of time, but now you have savory baked beans that no one will be able to resist!

Perfect for that summer bbq, fourth of July picnic, or a lazy lunch on the weekend. Just like these calico beans or these southern baked beans.

Ingredients Needed

Pinto beans – No pinto? No problem! Substitute pinto beans for chickpeas, white beans, or even black beans.

Dark red kidney beans – If you don’t have dark red, light red or navy beans will do fine! These will bring the hearty flavor that pinto doesn’t.

Ketchup – If you ran out of ketchup, reach for tomato paste or vinegar to replace the acidic aspect of ketchup.

Light brown sugar – Dark brown or light brown sugar work here!

Yellow mustard – Mustard is a “must” in this recipe— it’s a good thing I’m not a comedian. Brown or spicy mustard will add a good tang.

Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar can easily be replaced with typical white vinegar or rice vinegar.

Water – Just a single cup of water!

Worcestershire sauce – Worcestershire will give that smokey flavor we all love. If you don’t have it on hand, a kick mix of ketchup, vinegar, and soy sauce will replicate the flavor.

BBQ seasoning – Barbecue seasoning is essential to truly bring that cookout flavor in; you’d be surprised how much of a difference two tablespoons could make!

Bacon – Regular bacon or thick cut will work. Sub precooked if desired. Leave out all together or double up. You can never have too much bacon.

Looking for more leftover worthy dishes? Follow LTB on Pinterest and pin to a board!

beans and condiments in a white slow cooker

beans with strips of bacon in a white slow cooker

How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Beans

First: In the slow cooker place beans, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, water, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, and half of the cooked bacon. Stir to combine!

Second: Cook on low for three hours.

Third: Remove the lid and garnish with the remaining bacon. Serve warm and enjoy!

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

white slow cooker with beans, bacon, and a wood spoon.

Is a slow cooker and a crockpot the same?

Yes! This is a common question, and I don’t blame you for asking. A slow cooker is the actual name for a crockpot; the confusion happens because Crockpot is a brand name.

Although there is a slight difference in how they cook, they both get the job done.

What can I serve with baked beans?

I love to serve them alongside buttery cornbread muffins, green beans, fried corn, and a creamy coleslaw!

Of course baked beans are a delicious side dish, but they are much more than that! They are a savory dip for vegetables or tortilla chips, be a topping on your next burger, or another layer to a bean dip for a sweet note.

white bowl of baked beans and corn muffins

What can I do with leftover baked beans?

Baked beans can add a great punch of flavor in any dish, so leftovers aren’t as bad as they seem! These slow cooked baked beans will taste wonderful in chili, a sweet shepherd’s pie, or in a burrito.

Use the cooking liquid as a gravy for mashed potatoes or rice! These are so versatile, you’ll have no problem giving them a new home!

How do I store crock pot baked beans?

Leftover beans will still be tasty for up to four days in an airtight container in the fridge.

When you’re ready to use them again, add just a dash of brown sugar and mustard to to the baked beans to freshen the flavor back up before warming!

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Dry beans are just as beneficial to the body as canned beans, so have at it! In ½ cup of beans, you still get about 9.5 grams of fiber regardless of dried or canned.

To hydrate the beans, soak for either four hours or overnight in a large bowl with cold water. Give the soaked beans a quick drain and rinse before you’re ready to use them.

How can I make crockpot baked beans vegetarian?

Although there’s the easy route of not adding bacon, you can always reach for vegetarian friendly bacon! Vegetarian bacon is a bacon made from only veggies.

Some of the most favorite vegetarian brands are Morningstar, Sweet Earth, Be Leaf, and Upton’s Naturals and are a great addition to this already great recipe.

Tips for No Leftovers

Serve warm by keeping it in the crock or slow cooker and giving it a stir occasionally.
Looking for some extra pizazz? Try adding smoked paprika or sautéed medium onion for a little kick!
Store in an airtight container for up to four days! Freshen it up with a dash of brown sugar and a bit of mustard.
To save prep time, cook the bacon in advance so it’s ready to go!
Want even more flavor? Add chili powder, maple syrup, and some Dijon mustard.
Large slow cooker? Double the recipe!
Add cooked ground beef or even hot dogs to make a complete meat and beans dinner.
Cook these in a dutch oven on the stove top if you prefer this over slow cooking.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

baked beans on a spoon with white banner and text

Slow cooker baked beans are so flavorful and and incredibly easy recipe to make at home! Once you taste the sweet and smoked flavor of the pinto and dark red beans, this perfect side dish will become one of your most beloved secret recipes!