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Savory Baked Beans with Bacon Slow Cooker Recipe Easy & Perfect

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A rich, savory, and slightly sweet slow cooker baked beans recipe featuring smoky bacon and brown sugar, perfect as a comforting side or hearty main dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups canned navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 6–8 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 medium diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup water or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Chop 6-8 strips of thick-cut bacon into bite-sized pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy and browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat in the skillet.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the bacon fat and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
  3. In a bowl, combine the tomato paste, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until smooth.
  4. Place the drained and rinsed beans into the slow cooker. Add the cooked bacon, sautéed onions and garlic, and pour the sauce mixture over everything. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of water or chicken broth.
  5. Add salt and pepper to taste, then gently stir to combine all ingredients without breaking up the beans.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, gently stir the beans and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, or add a pinch of smoked paprika if desired.
  8. Serve warm as a side or hearty topping for toast or baked potatoes.

Notes

Sauté onions and garlic in bacon fat to deepen flavor. Cook bacon until crisp for best texture. Avoid stirring vigorously to keep beans intact. If sauce is too thin near the end, cook uncovered for 30 minutes to thicken. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce for gluten-free diet.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, slow cooker, bacon, brown sugar, easy recipe, savory beans, comfort food, potluck dish

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/savory-baked-beans-with-bacon-slow-cooker-recipe-easy-and-perfect/