Name: Crockpot Baked Beans
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 245 min
Ingredients: 2 (22) ounce cans baked beans (, I used the Bush Grillin flavor); 1/4 cup ketchup (, or BBQ sauce (I like to do half and half)); 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (, more to taste); 2 to 3 Tablespoons brown sugar (, more to taste); salt and pepper (, to taste)

These easy crockpot baked beans only require 5 simple ingredients to make with no presoaking any beans. Simply dump it all in and let the slow cooker do the work!

Hearty baked beans with bacon

This easy crockpot baked beans recipe is made effortlessly with canned beans which means no pre-soaking them overnight. It’s a quick and easy way for this flavorful side dish to come together.

Slow cooker baked beans can be made even better by adding a few extra ingredients to enhance an already tasty can of beans. The smoked paprika gives it that signature smoky flavor. Brown sugar adds a bit of a molasses note and a depth of sweet flavor and color. Ketchup or BBQ sauce (in my case a bit of both) and Dijon mustard give it a sweet and sharp kick, which makes these beans irresistible.

Keep this recipe handy because it’s about to become a staple summer side dish at any BBQ, potluck, or family dinner. Whether you’re making crockpot baked beans with bacon for pork and beans, or just the beans on their own, they’re always a hit!

How to make crockpot baked beans

This is the kind of recipe that gives the term “set it and forget it” it’s meaning. I like using Bush’s Grillin Beans, but you use whatever kind you like. Dump them into the slow cooker, along with the remaining ingredients, close the lid, and set the timer to cook.

Toward the end of the cooking time, I like to cook my bacon in the oven. It comes out evenly cooked every time with just the right amount of crisp! The bacon at the end adds a nice salty smokiness to the otherwise, sweet and tangy beans.

Tips & variations

A few more aromatics. Sauté 1 Tablespoon of oil along with 1 diced onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 3 cloves of garlic over medium heat. Mix in with the beans before setting the cooking time.
Extra tang. Add in 2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
More heat? Throw in about 1 or 2 tsp of chili powder for a little spice.
Use liquid smoke. It’s an easy swap instead of smoked paprika. A little goes a long way, so test a teaspoon first.
Different meat. Substitute the bacon for diced ham, sausages slices, or cooked ground sausage for a different flavor.
Keep the crockpot warm. Once it’s finished cooking use the warm setting until everyone is ready to eat. Then, everyone can serve themselves right from the pot.

What to serve with baked beans?

Complete your menu with the following ideas:

Mains: Serve baked beans alongside a BBQ pork sandwich, baked BBQ chicken, sloppy joes and slow cooker ribs.
Other sides: Need some inspiration for more sides to fill up your plate? Check out my coleslaw recipe along with homemade mac and cheese, sweet cornbread, loaded potato salad and these fluffy dinner rolls.

Storing, freezing, & reheating

To store: Once cooled, store beans in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
To freeze: These freeze well for up to 3 months. Keep stored in an airtight container making sure to leave a little extra room for expansion.
To reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, and reheat on the stovetop on low-medium heat until heated through. If you’ve got an entire batch you made ahead of time, feel free to use the slow cooker to warm it through and serve right from there.

More easy crockpot sides: