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Cozy Crockpot Baked Beans Recipe Easy Homemade Brown Sugar Bacon

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A comforting and easy crockpot baked beans recipe featuring brown sugar and bacon for a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, this dish is ideal for cozy gatherings and busy days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) dry navy beans, soaked overnight
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound (450 g) of dry navy beans and soak them in cold water overnight (at least 8 hours).
  2. Chop 6 thick-cut bacon slices into bite-sized pieces. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving some rendered fat.
  3. In the same skillet with a tablespoon of bacon fat (or butter if needed), sauté 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Drain soaked beans and add to the slow cooker. Stir in sautéed onions and garlic, ½ cup packed brown sugar, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Stir in ¾ of the cooked bacon, reserving the rest for topping later.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until beans are tender but still hold their shape. Stir occasionally if possible.
  7. About 15 minutes before serving, uncover the crockpot and stir. Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon on top to keep it crunchy. If the beans are too liquidy, remove the lid and cook uncovered for a bit to thicken.
  8. Serve warm directly from the crockpot.

Notes

Always soak beans overnight to soften and reduce cooking time. Crisp bacon separately for texture contrast and add bacon fat to sauté onions and garlic for deeper smoky flavor. Check beans at 6 hours to avoid overcooking. Add extra broth or water if beans dry out during cooking. Vinegar balances sweetness and richness. Leftovers store well in fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, crockpot, slow cooker, brown sugar, bacon, easy recipe, comfort food, homemade baked beans

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/cozy-crockpot-baked-beans-recipe-easy-homemade-brown-sugar-bacon/