Easy Slow Cooker Bbq Baked Beans

Some of my best childhood memories are of family reunions up in Idaho where grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins would load picnic tables with all the best potluck dishes like cottage cheese jello salad, macaroni salad, broccoli salad, and of course, plenty of baked beans. Barbecue baked beans have been a beloved side dish for generations, and you always see them at summer cookouts and large family gatherings. I like to scoop mine up with ruffled potato chips! This slow cooker version is a classic recipe that uses a combination of barbecue sauce, mustard, and bacon to create a savory sauce that is both rich and sweet, enhancing the beans’ natural flavors. And this easy baked beans recipe makes a big batch so there’s plenty to go around. For more delicious bean recipes, check out my Instant Pot Pork and Beans, Best Baked Beans Recipe, Instant Pot Refried Beans, Frijoles Charros (Charro Beans), and Brazilian Black Beans Without A Pressure Cooker!

Why We Love This Recipe

You can set it up in the morning and have delicious baked beans ready by dinner time without needing to monitor the cooking process constantly. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor! Leftovers will still taste amazing the next day, and can be enjoyed in different ways throughout the week, such as a filling for baked potatoes or as a topping for hot dogs.

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Baked Beans – Canned beans form the base of the dish and provide a hearty texture. Bacon Strips – Adds a smoky, savory flavor. You can substitute with turkey bacon for a healthier option. Yellow Onion – Provides a sweet, aromatic base. Barbecue Sauce – Adds a rich, tangy flavor. Yellow Mustard – Adds a subtle tanginess and depth. Minced Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of spice.

How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Baked Beans

Tips for Success

While this recipe calls for canned baked beans, you can experiment with different types of beans like navy beans, kidney beans, or great northern beans, using my recipe for Instant Pot Pork and Beans. Each type of bean offers a unique texture and flavor. While the slow cooker does most of the work, it’s good to check the beans occasionally to ensure they’re not overcooked. If they’re too thick, you can add a bit of water or broth. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce towards the end of cooking can brighten the flavors a bit. A bit of chili powder or diced jalapeños can add a spicy kick if desired. You can adjust the sweetness by adding dark brown sugar, light brown sugar, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use a mix of different beans like pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, or small white beans for a varied texture if using my Homemade Baked Beans Recipe. Add some dark brown sugar, light brown sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup to enhance the sweetness. Replace chopped thin bacon slices with thick-cut bacon, diced ham, salt pork, sliced sausages or hot dogs, or a ham bone for a different flavor. Experiment with different barbecue sauces to find your favorite flavor profile. Try using different kinds of mustard, such as dijon mustard or wholegrain mustard. If using a stronger mustard, reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the dish – add a small amount and increase it until the flavor is right.

More of My Best Slow Cooker Recipes

Crockpot Cubed Steak Mexican Shredded Beef Barbacoa Creamy Crockpot Italian Chicken Easy Old-Fashioned Porcupine Meatballs Crockpot Apple Butter Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup Crockpot Pork Green Chili Stew Cowboy Stew

Bread helps to soak up the delicious sauce and makes for a satisfying meal, so you can serve the beans with cornbread, dinner rolls, or crusty bread. A fresh green salad or coleslaw can balance out the richness of the baked beans. The crisp texture and tangy dressing provide a nice contrast.