Smoky Slow Cooker Bacon Baked Beans

Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Bacon: The Ultimate Guide to Sweet & Smoky Perfection

There’s nothing quite like a pot of slow-cooked baked beans, simmering gently and filling your home with an irresistible aroma of sweet, savory, and smoky goodness. This Slow Cooker Crockpot Baked Beans with Bacon recipe delivers that classic comfort with minimal effort, offering a perfect balance of rich flavors and tender beans. The secret lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a deep, complex sauce. The crispy, smoky bacon adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that elevates this dish from a simple side to a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re planning a lively backyard barbecue, a cozy family dinner, or looking for the perfect companion to your favorite main dishes, these easy crockpot baked beans are guaranteed to become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire.

baked beans in a slow cooker Crockpot with a wooden spoon

The comforting magic of baked beans cooking slowly is unmatched. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a sensory experience that promises warmth, satisfaction, and a delicious feast. Let’s dive into making these incredible Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Bacon.

Table of Contents

Key Ingredients for Perfect Slow Cooker Baked Beans

Crafting delicious slow cooker baked beans starts with a selection of high-quality ingredients that harmonize to create a robust and flavorful dish. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after sweet, smoky, and savory balance.

  • Beans: The foundation of our dish. Canned beans are convenient and absorb flavors wonderfully.
  • Bacon: Crispy, diced bacon brings essential smokiness and a savory depth that is truly irresistible.
  • Onions: Finely chopped onions slowly caramelize, adding a sweet and aromatic base to the sauce.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, savory kick that enhances all the other flavors.
  • BBQ Sauce: A good quality BBQ sauce forms the backbone of the rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. Choose your favorite for personalized taste.
  • Ketchup: Adds a classic tomato tang and a touch of sweetness, contributing to the beans’ signature color and depth.
  • Chili Powder: This spice blend adds warmth and a hint of earthy heat, rounding out the savory elements.
  • Brown Sugar or Sweetener: Essential for that characteristic sweet contrast to the smoky bacon and tangy sauces. Adjust to your desired level of sweetness.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings crucial for balancing and enhancing all the flavors to taste.
BBQ sauce, ketchup, and diced onions in a glass bowl
uncooked diced bacon in a glass bowl
chili powder, brown sugar, and garlic in a white bowl

Choosing the Best Beans for Your Slow Cooker Recipe

The type of beans you choose significantly impacts the texture and flavor of your slow cooker baked beans. While many varieties can work, some are traditionally preferred for their ability to absorb flavors and achieve a creamy consistency. You have flexibility here, but for the best results, consider these options:

For convenience and consistent results, canned baked beans are an excellent choice. They are pre-cooked and soften beautifully in the slow cooker. For a truly authentic Southern-style dish, navy beans and pinto beans are highly recommended. These beans are favored for their mild flavor, which allows the rich sauce to truly shine, and their ability to become incredibly tender and creamy when slow-cooked.

A personal tip for enhancing the flavor: I often opt for vegetarian canned baked beans. This choice isn’t about dietary restrictions but about maximizing control over the flavor profile. By starting with plain vegetarian beans, I ensure that the distinct, smoky notes come directly from the fresh bacon I add, rather than from pre-processed bacon flavorings in some canned varieties. This allows the homemade goodness to truly come through, making the dish taste genuinely fresh and robust.

canned baked beans on a flat surface

Using Dry Beans in Your Crockpot Baked Beans

While canned beans offer ultimate convenience, using dry beans can provide a deeper, more earthy flavor and a different texture. However, they require a bit more preparation. It’s crucial to soak dry beans before slow cooking to reduce their cooking time and improve digestibility.

The most common method is to soak them overnight. Simply place your desired amount of dry beans in a large bowl, cover them with several inches of cold water (they will expand significantly), and let them sit at room temperature for 8-12 hours. Drain and rinse thoroughly before adding to your slow cooker.

If you’re short on time, the quick soak method is an excellent alternative. In a large pot on the stove, bring a generous amount of water to a rolling boil. Add the dry beans, ensuring they are fully submerged. Boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and let the beans soak for at least one hour (or up to four hours for best results). After soaking, drain and rinse the beans before proceeding with the recipe.

When using pre-soaked dry beans in your slow cooker, plan for a longer cook time. Typically, they will require 7-10 hours on the LOW setting. Skipping the soaking step altogether is possible but not recommended, as it will likely add several hours to your cooking time and may result in unevenly cooked or tougher beans. Pre-soaking ensures tender, perfectly cooked beans that truly soak up all the delicious sauce.

How to Make Irresistible Slow Cooker Crockpot Baked Beans

Making these sweet and savory baked beans in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, perfect for busy weeknights or large gatherings. The beauty of a slow cooker is its ability to transform simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful dish with minimal hands-on time.

You’ll find detailed measurements and comprehensive instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here’s a general overview of the simple steps:

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by cooking your bacon until crispy, then crumble it into pieces. Dice your onions and mince your garlic. These preliminary steps are crucial for building flavor from the start.
  2. Combine All Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the canned baked beans (undrained to retain their liquid and flavor), your favorite BBQ sauce, ketchup, the cooked and crumbled bacon, diced onions, minced garlic, chili powder, brown sugar or your preferred sweetener, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Stir Thoroughly: Give everything a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and the beans are evenly coated in the rich sauce. This step is important for distributing flavors uniformly throughout the dish.
  4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 2 ½-4 hours, depending on your slow cooker model and desired consistency. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to deepen and the beans to become incredibly tender.
  5. Taste and Adjust: Once cooked, give the beans a taste. This is your chance to adjust the seasonings. You might want more brown sugar for sweetness, a pinch more salt, or an extra dash of chili powder for a bit more kick. Serve warm and enjoy!
collage of 4 photos with baked beans, BBQ sauce, and spices in a Crockpot slow cooker

Slow Cooker Cook Time: How Long to Cook Baked Beans

Understanding the nuances of slow cooker cook times is key to achieving perfectly tender and flavorful baked beans. It’s important to remember that not all slow cookers are created equal; models can vary significantly in their heating elements and overall efficiency. Therefore, keeping a close watch on your dish, especially during your first few attempts with a new recipe or slow cooker, is highly recommended.

Generally, if you choose the HIGH setting, your slow cooker baked beans will typically be ready in about 2 ½ to 4 hours. Many enthusiasts find that 3 hours on High yields an ideal balance of tenderness and sauce thickness. This setting is great when you need the dish ready a bit faster, but still want the benefits of slow cooking.

For a deeper flavor development and an even more tender result, the LOW setting is often preferred. On Low, your baked beans will usually take between 4 to 6 hours to cook through. This extended cooking period allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen, resulting in a more complex and satisfying dish.

Always consider your slow cooker’s specific characteristics. Some older models might cook slower, while newer ones can be quite efficient. The size of your slow cooker and the initial temperature of your ingredients can also influence the overall cook time. When in doubt, start checking for doneness at the lower end of the suggested time range to prevent overcooking.

baked beans in a slow cooker Crockpot with a wooden spoon

How to Know When Your Baked Beans Are Perfectly Cooked

Achieving the ideal texture for your slow cooker baked beans is just as important as perfecting their flavor. You want beans that are tender and creamy, yet still hold their shape, rather than being mushy. Here’s how to tell when your baked beans have reached peak deliciousness:

  1. Visual Inspection: The beans should appear plump and fully hydrated. The sauce around them should be thick and rich, clinging to each bean rather than being watery.
  2. The Bite Test: This is the most reliable method. Carefully spoon out a few beans and let them cool slightly. Bite into one; it should be soft all the way through, with no hard, grainy, or chalky resistance in the center. If you feel any firmness, the beans need more cooking time.
  3. The Mash Test: Take a single bean and press it between your fingers or against the back of a spoon. It should mash easily with minimal effort. If it resists mashing, it’s not quite done.
  4. Flavor Integration: Beyond texture, the flavor should be deep and well-developed. The sweet, smoky, and savory notes should be harmoniously blended, indicating that the ingredients have had ample time to meld during the slow cooking process.

Remember, the goal is tender, not disintegrating. Check frequently towards the end of the cooking time to ensure they don’t become overcooked.

Tips to Achieve a Thick and Rich Baked Bean Sauce

A truly great batch of baked beans is characterized by its thick, luscious sauce that generously coats every bean. If you find your slow cooker baked beans turning out with a thin or watery sauce, don’t worry – this is a common issue with easy solutions.

Firstly, the most frequent reason for a thin sauce is simply insufficient cooking time. The sauce needs time to reduce and thicken naturally as it simmers. If your beans are tender but the sauce is still too watery, continue cooking them, perhaps for another 30-60 minutes, checking periodically.

Another effective strategy is to remove the lid during the last hour or two of cooking. This allows excess moisture to evaporate, concentrating the flavors and thickening the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Be mindful of the liquids you add at the beginning. Adding too much broth, water, or even overly thin BBQ sauce can contribute to a runny texture. Stick to the recipe’s recommended liquid amounts. If you’re adapting, err on the side of less liquid, as you can always add more later.

For a quick fix if the sauce is still too thin at the very end, you can create a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the hot beans, cover, and cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce visibly thickens. This method works wonders to achieve that perfect, clingy consistency.

baked beans in a slow cooker Crockpot with a wooden spoon

Is This Baked Bean Recipe Spicy? Adjusting the Heat

The question of whether this baked bean dish is spicy often depends on individual palates and the specific type of chili powder used. Our recipe calls for chili powder, which might suggest a kick, but in reality, most commercially available chili powders are formulated to be mild to moderately spicy. They typically contain a blend of mild chili peppers, along with other spices like cumin, oregano, and garlic powder, resulting in an earthy, warm flavor rather than intense heat.

I personally do not find this dish spicy when prepared with standard chili powder. The amount used is designed to add a layer of savory depth and warmth, complementing the sweetness and smokiness without overpowering them. However, if you are particularly sensitive to spice or have a strong aversion to any heat, you have a few options:

  • Omit it entirely: If you prefer absolutely no spice, simply leave out the chili powder. The beans will still be incredibly flavorful due to the bacon, BBQ sauce, and other aromatics.
  • Start small and taste: For a cautious approach, begin by adding just ½ teaspoon of chili powder. Let the beans cook for a while, then taste and decide if you’d like to add more. You can gradually build up the spice level to your preference.
  • Choose a specific type: If you enjoy more heat, look for chili powders specifically labeled “hot” or consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce along with the chili powder. Conversely, ensure your chili powder is labeled “mild” if you’re concerned about heat.

Ultimately, the spice level is fully customizable to suit your family’s preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting side dish.

Adding Ground Beef for Hearty Cowboy Beans

Transforming these classic baked beans into a more substantial, meal-worthy dish like hearty cowboy beans or “beanie weenies” is incredibly easy with the addition of ground beef. This makes it a fantastic option for a potluck main course or a satisfying family dinner, especially during cooler months.

Here’s how to incorporate ground beef seamlessly into your slow cooker baked beans:

  1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet on your stovetop, brown 1 to 1.5 pounds of ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. It’s crucial to cook the beef thoroughly until no pink remains.
  2. Season the Beef: While browning, season the ground beef generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other complementary spices like a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance its flavor before it joins the beans.
  3. Drain Excess Fat: Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the ground beef. This prevents your baked beans from becoming too oily.
  4. Combine with Beans: Add the browned and drained ground beef directly into the slow cooker along with all the other ingredients (canned baked beans, BBQ sauce, ketchup, bacon, onions, garlic, chili powder, and brown sugar).
  5. Stir and Cook: Stir everything well to ensure the ground beef is evenly distributed throughout the bean mixture. Then, proceed with the slow cooking instructions as written in the recipe. The cook time should remain largely the same, but always monitor for desired tenderness and sauce consistency.

Adding ground beef turns this side dish into a complete, satisfying meal, rich in flavor and texture, perfect for any occasion.

slow cooker Crockpot baked beans in a white bowl

Substitution and Add-ins to Customize Your Baked Beans

One of the best aspects of this slow cooker baked beans recipe is its versatility. It serves as an excellent base for various culinary explorations. Don’t hesitate to experiment with substitutions and add-ins to tailor the flavors to your preference or to use up ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Smoked Sausage: For an extra layer of smoky, savory flavor, add sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa. Brown it briefly before adding to the slow cooker to enhance its taste.
  • Pulled Pork: Transform your baked beans into a hearty meal by stirring in leftover pulled pork. It adds incredible richness and a delightful BBQ twist.
  • Mustard: A spoonful of Dijon mustard or yellow mustard can add a tangy depth and a subtle sharpness that brightens the overall flavor profile.
  • Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers (any color) introduce a fresh, sweet crunch and vibrant color. Add them at the beginning of cooking so they can soften.
  • Jalapeños: If you crave more heat, thinly sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños can provide a pleasant spicy kick. Remove the seeds for less heat.
  • Smoked Paprika: To boost the smoky flavor without adding more meat, a teaspoon or two of smoked paprika works wonders, imparting a deep, robust aroma.
  • Thyme: A sprig of fresh thyme or a pinch of dried thyme adds an herbaceous note that beautifully complements the savory elements.
  • Beer: For a richer, more complex sauce, replace a portion of the BBQ sauce or ketchup with a dark beer (like stout or porter). The alcohol will cook off, leaving a malty depth.
  • Pineapple: Diced pineapple chunks (canned, drained) or pineapple juice can add a delightful fruity sweetness and acidity, creating a Hawaiian-style baked bean twist.
  • Different Beans: Don’t limit yourself to navy or pinto beans. Great Northern beans, cannellini beans, or even a mix of bean varieties can work well.
  • Maple Syrup or Molasses: For an even deeper, richer sweetness, substitute some of the brown sugar with maple syrup or a tablespoon of molasses.

Remember to taste and adjust seasonings as you add new ingredients, ensuring the flavors remain balanced and delicious.

Making a Large Batch of Baked Beans for a Crowd

Slow cooker baked beans are an absolute blessing when you need to feed a crowd. Their make-ahead potential and hands-off cooking make them ideal for potlucks, family reunions, holiday gatherings, or game day parties. The recipe as written provides a generous yield, perfect for feeding a substantial number of people, especially when served alongside other main dishes.

However, if you’re hosting a really large group or simply want plenty of leftovers, this recipe is incredibly easy to scale up. You can confidently double or even triple the ingredients without compromising the quality or flavor. When doubling, simply multiply each ingredient quantity by two. If tripling, multiply by three, and so on.

Here are a few considerations when making a large batch:

  • Slow Cooker Size: Ensure you have a slow cooker large enough to accommodate the increased volume of ingredients. A standard 6-quart slow cooker can typically handle a doubled recipe, but for a tripled batch, you might need an 8-quart or larger, or even two slow cookers. Don’t overfill your slow cooker, as this can lead to uneven cooking and potential spills.
  • Cook Time: Surprisingly, increasing the quantity of ingredients doesn’t always drastically change the cook time, especially if your slow cooker is filled appropriately. The thermal mass helps maintain the temperature. However, it’s crucial to keep a watchful eye. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the recipe’s recommended cook time and extend as needed until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking. It might take an extra hour or two on either the High or Low setting, so plan accordingly.
  • Stirring: For larger batches, stir the beans occasionally during cooking, especially if your slow cooker has hot spots. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking at the bottom.

Preparing a large batch of these slow cooker baked beans is a smart move for any event, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy this delightful, comforting side.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Slow Cooker Baked Beans

These slow cooker baked beans are not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, especially when prepared in advance. Making them ahead of time allows the flavors to deepen and meld even further, often resulting in a more delicious and cohesive dish.

  • Refrigeration: Once your baked beans have cooled completely to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors tend to enhance with time, making them a fantastic dish to prepare a day or two before serving.
  • Cooling Properly: Before storing, it’s crucial to cool the beans rapidly. Divide them into smaller, shallow containers to help them cool faster, which prevents bacterial growth. Avoid placing a large, hot pot of beans directly into the refrigerator, as this can raise the internal temperature of your fridge and impact other foods.
  • Make Ahead Benefits: Preparing baked beans in advance is ideal for entertaining. It frees up your time on the day of your event, allowing you to focus on other aspects of meal preparation. Plus, the extra time gives the sweet and savory components a chance to fully integrate, leading to an even more satisfying taste experience.

Freezer-Friendly Baked Beans: Preparation and Tips

These slow cooker baked beans are also excellent for freezing, making them a perfect meal prep component or a convenient option for future quick meals or gatherings. Properly frozen, they retain their delicious flavor and texture for several months.

Here’s how to freeze your baked beans effectively:

  1. Cool Completely: Ensure the baked beans are completely cooled to room temperature before freezing. Freezing hot food can affect its texture and potentially compromise food safety.
  2. Choose the Right Container: Divide the cooled beans into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. For individual servings or smaller family meals, portion them into sizes that are convenient for your future needs.
  3. Leave Headspace: If using rigid containers, leave about an inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion as the beans freeze.
  4. Remove Air: When using freezer bags, press out as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can lay the bags flat to freeze, which saves space.
  5. Label and Date: Always label your containers or bags with the dish name and the date it was frozen. This helps you keep track of your freezer inventory.
  6. Freezer Storage Time: Baked beans can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months for optimal quality. While they may be safe to eat after this period, their texture and flavor might start to degrade.
  7. Thawing: When ready to use, transfer the frozen baked beans to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. For a quicker thaw, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave or place the sealed bag in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Avoid thawing at room temperature for food safety reasons.
slow cooker Crockpot baked beans in a white bowl with a wooden spoon

How to Reheat Slow Cooker Baked Beans

Reheating your slow cooker baked beans is straightforward, whether they’ve been refrigerated or thawed from the freezer. The key is to warm them gently to maintain their creamy texture and rich flavor. Here are the most effective methods:

  1. Microwave: For individual servings, the microwave is your quickest option. Place the desired amount of beans in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir, then continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
  2. Stovetop: This method is excellent for larger portions and allows for better control over consistency. Transfer the beans to a saucepan or pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are simmering gently and thoroughly warmed. This usually takes 10-15 minutes.
  3. Oven: If you’re reheating a large batch or prefer a more even warming, the oven is a great choice. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the beans in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until bubbling and hot in the center. Stir halfway through for even heating.

Adjusting Consistency During Reheating: Baked beans can sometimes thicken a bit more after cooling. If your beans seem too thick or dry when reheating, don’t hesitate to add a splash of liquid. A little water, chicken or vegetable broth, or even a bit of extra BBQ sauce can help achieve your desired consistency. Stir it in gradually until the beans are perfectly saucy once more. Always stir occasionally while reheating, regardless of the method, to ensure even warming and prevent any sticking to the bottom of the pot or dish.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Baked Beans

Slow cooker baked beans with bacon are a versatile side dish that complements a wide array of main courses, especially those traditionally served at barbecues, picnics, and comforting family meals. Their sweet, savory, and smoky profile makes them a fantastic accompaniment to rich, grilled, or roasted meats.

Here are some superb main dish recipes that pair wonderfully with these flavorful baked beans:

  • Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken Wings: The sticky, saucy wings find a perfect partner in the sweet and tangy beans, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.
  • Slow Cooker Crockpot Ribs with BBQ Sauce: A classic combination! The tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs and savory beans are a match made in heaven, ideal for any gathering.
  • Slow Cooker Crockpot BBQ Brisket: The rich, slow-cooked brisket’s deep flavors are beautifully balanced by the sweetness and tang of the baked beans, making for a truly hearty spread.
  • Slow Cooker Crockpot Pulled Chicken: Whether in sandwiches or on its own, pulled chicken’s juicy texture and seasoned flavor are wonderfully enhanced by a generous scoop of these homemade baked beans.

Beyond these, baked beans also shine alongside hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled sausages, cornbread, or even a simple green salad for a complete and delicious meal.

Explore More Slow Cooker Crockpot Side Dishes

The slow cooker isn’t just for main courses; it’s a fantastic tool for creating effortlessly delicious side dishes. If you love the convenience and flavor of these baked beans, you’ll certainly appreciate these other slow cooker side options that free up your oven and stovetop:

  • Slow Cooker Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes: A sweet and comforting side, perfect for holidays or any meal needing a touch of warmth.
  • Slow Cooker Crockpot Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey: A soulful and savory classic, tender and flavorful with minimal fuss.
  • Slow Cooker Crockpot Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes made ahead, staying warm and ready for serving.
  • Slow Cooker Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Uncooked Pasta: The ultimate comfort food, made incredibly easy with uncooked pasta that cooks right in the sauce.
baked beans in a slow cooker Crockpot with a wooden spoon

Slow Cooker Crockpot Baked Beans with Bacon Recipe

By Brandi Crawford

This Slow Cooker Crockpot Baked Beans with Bacon recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with tender beans slow-cooked in a rich sauce. The addition of bacon brings a delightful smokiness that complements the natural sweetness of brown sugar. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this side dish is sure to become a favorite.

★★★★★
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
4 hrs
Total Time:
4 hrs 10 mins
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American, Southern
Servings:
7 cups
Calories:
189 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon (Cooked and crumbled.)
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 2 garlic cloves (Minced.)
  • 2 (28 oz) canned baked beans (Vegetarian, not drained.)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder (This amount gives a kick. For less spice, omit or start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.)
  • 2-4 tablespoons brown sugar or sweetener (Typically 3 tablespoons for moderate sweetness. Use ¼ cup for very sweet beans.)

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients (canned baked beans, ketchup, BBQ sauce, bacon, onions, garlic chili powder, brown sugar or sweetener, salt, and pepper) to a 7-quart slow cooker. Stir to combine thoroughly.
  2. Cook on HIGH for approximately 2 ½ to 4 hours. For an ideal texture and flavor, I recommend cooking for 3 hours on High. Alternatively, cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
  3. Once the cooking time is complete, open the pot and stir the beans. The beans should be tender but not mushy. To test for doneness, bite into a bean; it should be soft all the way through with no hardness or graininess. You can also press a bean between your fingers or on the edge of a spoon; it should mash easily.
  4. Taste the beans and adjust the spices as necessary to reach your preferred sweet, savory, and smoky balance. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Any type of bacon will work for this recipe, including turkey bacon.
  • Chili powder typically adds warmth rather than intense heat, but spice sensitivity varies. If you prefer no spice, omit it entirely. For a subtle warmth, start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to your taste.
  • For a moderately sweet flavor, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar or sweetener are ideal. If you desire a much sweeter profile, increase to ¼ cup (4 tablespoons).

Nutrition Information

Serving: 0.5 cup
Calories: 189 kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 1g

Nutrition Data Disclaimer

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.