Easy to make Crockpot Loaded Baked Beans is a classic recipe and perfect for your next bbq or cookout. Terrific served hot or cold if you're going to a potluck, this is the recipe for you!
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What makes this recipe irresistible
Using the slow cooker requires so little effort! Just brown up that sausage, and then the crockpot does all the work. I love that! A big pot of beans is a must-make for every summer barbeque.
Ingredients you’ll need
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- green pepper and red pepper
- onion
- Canned beans drained - use a variety of beans; kidney beans, pinto beans, black, cannelloni beans, black beans, navy beans, great northern beans, garbanzo beans, etc. Use your favorite beans!
- crushed tomatoes
- barbecue sauce - use your favorite!
- You can use light or dark brown sugar - If you'd prefer, use maple syrup or molasses to the beans instead.
- dry mustard - substitute Dijon mustard if you'd prefer.
- smokey bacon
- Mild or spicy Italian sausage - Ground beef can be swapped for the mild Italian sausage if you'd prefer.
Creative variations to try
- A teaspoon of chipotle chili powder or a pinch red pepper flakes will add heat.
- If you'd prefer, use maple syrup or molasses to the beans instead brown sugar.
- Apple Cider Vinegar gives the slow cooker baked beans a little tang.
- If you don't have any bacon, add an ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon of liquid smoke instead.
Instructions for crockpot baked beans
This is an overview of the instructions for the crockpot baked beans. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Start by sautéing the bacon and sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. (If you have one of those fancy slow cookers that sautés also you can eliminate that step and do that right in the cooker).
- Then just chop the veggies, open and drain the cans - mix it together and toss it in the slow cooker
- Set it on low and all the hard work is done!
- Eight hours later and the beans are ready.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
Just a few ingredients will doll up those canned beans and make them taste even better. Add browned sausage, cooked bacon, brown sugar and bbq sauce. That will make all the difference!
Restaurant beans taste better because they use lard or fat. That's why this recipe uses sausage and bacon - YUM!
Deb’s tips for the perfect dish
Make the Crockpot Loaded Baked Beans Recipe the day before. This is a terrific make-ahead dish because it will taste even better on day two!
How to store leftovers
Refrigerate - allow to cool completely, then place in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to three days.
Freezer - up to 3 months.
Reheat - Thaw the Crockpot Loaded Baked Beans overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Or bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees, or until hot and bubbly.
More recipes you’ll love
I do love me a pot of beans, how about you? If you're looking for a meal, you just can't go wrong with Navy Bean Soup! This recipe is the BEST! It's easy to make and delicious!
If you'd prefer to use your oven, the Baked Bean Casserole is the way to go!
If you've never made black beans, check out this easy How to cook dried black beans tutorial. It's the perfect side dish for any Mexican meal!
Here are more easy side dishes you'll definitely want to try!
- Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipes
- Mediterranean White Bean Salad
- Southern Style Ham Pasta Salad
- Homemade Tomato Relish
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
There's nothing like a great pot of beans! These are terrific served with:
- Cheeseburgers - no need to start up the grill if the weather is sketchy! Learn how to cook frozen hamburgers patties in the oven!
- No cookout is complete without potato salad (we love mom's recipe!).
- Crescent Roll Hot Dogs - everyone loves pigs in a blanket!
- This bean recipe is terrific served for tailgating or cookouts with beer brats.
If you love a great pot of beans as much as I do, then you will really enjoy this recipe. The beans are sweet with just a hint of spice. They are delicious and so flavorful.
Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 1 green pepper chopped
- 1 red pepper chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 4 15.5 oz cans beans drained - I used kidney black, cannelloni and; garbanzo beans, but don't be limited by that. Use your favorite beans!
- 1 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- 6 slices bacon
- ½ lb spicy italian sausage
Instructions
- Chop the bacon and sausage cook on the stove until the fat is rendered from the bacon and the sausage is well browned and crumbled. Remove the bacon & sausage and drain on a paper towel to remove excess fat.
- While the meat is cooking chop the onion and peppers.
- Open and drain all of the cans of beans and place beans in slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients; crushed tomatoes, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, dry mustard, onions & peppers. Add the sausage & bacon and mix to combine.
- Cover tightly, set your slow cooker on low and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours.
- If you make this on the stove, complete all of the above and place into a heavy bottom pot. Turn on low and allow to cook on the stove for 1 hour 30 minutes. You can also place these in the oven and slow cook them at 300 degrees for two hours. Use whichever method you'd prefer.
- Simple and delicious! Great for a cookout or game day and such an easy and fabulous side dish!
Jean says
Interesting, but I would have to make a few changes in the recipe. I have a picky husband and I'm not a sausage fan. But still interested.
Debra Clark says
I hope you enjoy it when you try it Jean!!