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Savory Crockpot Baked Beans with Bacon

savory crockpot baked beans with bacon - featured image
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A hearty and comforting slow-cooked baked beans recipe infused with smoky bacon and a sweet-savory sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb dry navy beans (or great northern beans), soaked overnight
  • 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 cups chicken broth (720 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound (about 2 cups) of dry navy beans and soak them in cold water overnight (8-12 hours). For quick soak, boil beans for 1 minute, then let sit covered for 1 hour before draining.
  2. Chop 6-8 slices of thick-cut bacon into small pieces. Finely chop 1 medium onion and mince 3 garlic cloves.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon bits to the crockpot, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the mixture to the crockpot.
  5. Drain soaked beans and add them to the crockpot. Stir in tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Cover and set crockpot to low. Cook for 7-8 hours, or until beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally if possible.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if needed.
  8. Serve warm, spooned into bowls or alongside your favorite mains.

Notes

If sauce is too thick near the end, stir in a little extra broth or water. If too thin, remove lid for last 30 minutes to thicken. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, crockpot recipe, bacon, comfort food, slow cooker, easy dinner, savory beans

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/savory-crockpot-baked-beans-with-bacon-easy-recipe-for-cozy-comfort/