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Cozy Crockpot Baked Beans Recipe with Brown Sugar and Crispy Bacon Made Easy

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A comforting and easy crockpot baked beans recipe featuring brown sugar and crispy bacon, perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or lazy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight or quick-soaked
  • 8 slices crispy bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • About 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Rinse dried navy beans under cold water. Place in a large bowl and cover with 3-4 inches of water. Soak overnight (8-12 hours) or quick soak by boiling for 5 minutes then letting sit for 1 hour before draining.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate to drain, reserving about 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the bacon fat. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
  4. Drain and rinse soaked beans, then add to crockpot. Stir in sautéed onions and garlic, crispy bacon, brown sugar, tomato paste, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika if using.
  5. Pour in about 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth to cover beans by about an inch. Season with salt and pepper, but add salt gradually during cooking.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beans are tender but not falling apart. Stir once or twice during cooking if possible.
  7. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Beans will thicken as they cool.

Notes

Use dried beans for best texture; canned beans can be used but add in last hour to avoid mushiness. Crisp bacon and sauté aromatics separately for best flavor. Season gradually to avoid tough beans. Keep lid on during cooking to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally if possible. Slow cooker liners help with cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, crockpot, slow cooker, brown sugar, bacon, comfort food, easy recipe, potluck, family dinner

Find it online: https://avabake.com/cozy-crockpot-baked-beans-recipe-with-brown-sugar-and-crispy-bacon-made-easy/