A hearty and comforting dish is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort. Let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy rich, flavorful baked beans that everyone will love.
Prep Time10 min
Cook Time8 hr
Total Time8 hr 10 min
Difficulty
Hard
Helpful Chef Tips
Soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
Stir occasionally during the last hour to prevent sticking.
Adjust sweetness or spice levels to your taste by adding more brown sugar or chili powder.
Ingredients
0/12
Why This Dish Is So Special
Perfect for busy days since it requires minimal hands-on time. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend beautifully, resulting in rich and tender beans. It’s comforting, hearty, and a great source of protein and fiber.
Step 1
Place the beans in a large pot and covering them with plenty of water. Put a lid on and let them soak for about 8 hours or overnight. Once soaked, drain the beans and refill the pot with fresh water.
Step 2
Cook the beans over medium heat until they’re tender, which usually takes around an hour. Drain them again, but save some of the cooking water for later.
Step 3
Transfer the beans to your slow cooker. Add ketchup, chopped ham, 1 ½ cups of water, brown sugar, molasses, onion powder, mustard, salt, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and about a cup of that reserved bean water. If it looks a bit dry as it cooks, feel free to add more of the reserved water.
Step 4
Set the slow cooker to low and let everything cook for 7 to 9 hours, stirring occasionally if you can. By the end, you’ll have a rich, flavorful batch of beans ready to enjoy!
227
people cooked this recipe
ByDavid Brown
David shares approachable recipes, helpful cooking tips, and simple meal ideas.
How To Serve It Best
Serve alongside grilled meats, cornbread, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It also works well as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks. For a vegetarian option, enjoy it over rice or with roasted vegetables.
Best Storage Tips
Let the beans cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to soak the beans before cooking?
Yes, soaking the beans overnight helps them cook evenly and reduces cooking time.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
You can, but cooking times and water amounts will change. Use about 4 cups of canned beans and reduce cooking time.
How do I know when the beans are done in the slow cooker?
The beans should be tender and creamy but still hold their shape after 7 to 9 hours on low.
Can I prepare this recipe without ham for a vegetarian option?
Yes, simply omit the ham or substitute with smoked tofu or a vegetarian bacon alternative.
What if the beans look too dry while cooking?
Add some of the reserved bean cooking water or extra water to keep the beans moist.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
You can, but cooking on high may dry out the beans. If using high, reduce cooking time to about 4-5 hours.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Is it necessary to stir the beans during cooking?
Stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking and ensures even flavor, but it’s not absolutely required.
These flavorful chicken pinwheels are perfect for a quick and delicious meal that everyone will love. Packed with savory ingredients and easy to prepa...
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks
Meals
Drinks
Vegan
