Name: Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup unsulphured molasses; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp smoked paprika; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 1 large onion, diced; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 3 cans (15 oz) navy beans, drained/rinsed; 8 oz thick-cut bacon, diced

Smoky bacon, sweet molasses, and tangy BBQ sauce simmer with tender navy beans in the crockpot for hours. This classic side dish delivers deep, caramelized flavor and creamy texture—perfect BBQ companion ready with zero fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crockpot BBQ baked beans with bacon is pure backyard nostalgia in a bowl—crisp bacon renders golden fat that infuses every bean with smoky richness, while molasses and brown sugar create that signature sweet-savory balance. The slow cooker does all the work, gently coaxing canned beans into silky, sauce-cloaked perfection without boiling over or constant stirring. Naturally gluten-free, easily scaled for crowds, and infinitely better than canned versions, it’s the ultimate make-ahead side for potlucks, game days, or weeknight dinners. Kids lick the bowl clean, adults fight for the caramelized edges, and leftovers reheat like they were made fresh. One pot, set-it-and-forget-it, BBQ legend status achieved.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Crisp Bacon First → Renders fat, flavors beans.
Sauté Onions → In bacon drippings for depth.
Layer Flavors → Acids last to prevent tough beans.
Low & Slow → 8 hours for creamiest texture.
Uncover Last Hour → Thickens sauce perfectly.
Taste Before Serving → Adjust sweet/tang.
Bean Liquid → Drain/rinse for cleaner flavor.
Molasses Magic → Unsulphured for pure taste.

Yield: 8 Servings

Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon

Smoky bacon and molasses simmer with beans in tangy BBQ sauce—crockpot perfection.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup unsulphured molasses
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 large onion, diced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
3 cans (15 oz) navy beans, drained/rinsed
8 oz thick-cut bacon, diced

Instructions

Crisp Bacon → Cook diced bacon in skillet medium until golden—reserve 2 tbsp drippings, drain excess.
Sauté Onion → In same skillet with drippings, cook onion 5 minutes until soft and caramelized.
Layer Crockpot → Add drained beans, bacon, onions to slow cooker—stir gently to combine.
Sauce Magic → Whisk BBQ sauce, molasses, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire, paprika, pepper in bowl.
Pour & Submerge → Pour sauce over beans; add ½ cup water if needed—ensure beans are covered.
Low & Slow → Cover and cook low 8 hours or high 4 hours—flavors meld beautifully.
Thicken Up → Remove lid last hour on high—stir occasionally until sauce clings thickly.
Taste Balance → Sample a bean; adjust salt, sugar, or vinegar for perfect sweet-tang.
Rest & Serve → Let sit 10 minutes off-heat—sauce settles into creamy glory.
Dig In → Spoon into bowls; watch the caramelized edges disappear at your BBQ feast.

Notes

Crisp bacon first—infuses fat throughout.
Uncover last hour thickens perfectly.
Canned beans save hours vs. dried.
Molasses > corn syrup for authentic taste.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 808Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 4gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 28mgSodium 850mgCarbohydrates 132gFiber 42gSugar 26gProtein 43g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.