Slow Cooker Maple Baked Beans with Bacon

Slow Cooker Maple Baked Beans with Bacon

This dish features baked beans slowly simmered in a crockpot with smoky bacon and a touch of maple syrup, resulting in tender, glossy beans coated in a sweet and savory glaze. The long cooking process melds flavors and creates a hearty, comforting texture suitable for a cozy meal or family gathering.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 7

Total Time 7 10

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Dried pinto beans 4 cups, soaked overnight: Form the hearty base of the dish.
Bacon 6 slices, chopped: Adds smoky richness and savory flavor.
Maple syrup 0.5 cup, pure: Creates sweet, glossy glaze.
Yellow onion 1 medium, diced: Builds savory depth.
Garlic 3 cloves, minced: Enhances aroma and taste.
Barbecue sauce 1 cup: Adds tangy smoky complexity.
Chicken broth or water 2 cups: Helps beans cook to tender consistency.
Mustard 1 tablespoon, yellow or Dijon: Provides slight tang and balance.
Black pepper 0.5 teaspoon: Adds gentle heat.
Smoked paprika 1 teaspoon, optional: Boosts smoky flavor.

Equipment

Slow cooker
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups
Wooden spoon

Method

Soak dried beans overnight and drain.
Chop bacon into small pieces.
Dice onion and mince garlic.
Place soaked beans into slow cooker.
Add bacon, onion, and garlic.
Pour in maple syrup and barbecue sauce.
Add chicken broth or water.
Stir in mustard, black pepper, and paprika.
Mix ingredients gently to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours.
Stir occasionally if possible.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

You can replace bacon with mushrooms or smoked paprika for a vegetarian version. If beans weren't soaked overnight, simmer them in boiling water until tender before adding to the slow cooker. Stir occasionally during cooking for even flavor distribution.