Slow-Cooked Bacon Baked Beans

Slow-Cooked Bacon Baked Beans

Introduction

Slow-cooked bacon baked beans are a classic comfort food, perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a hearty side dish for any meal.

This recipe brings together rich flavors from smoky bacon, a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, and a bit of tanginess from mustard and apple cider vinegar.

With the beans simmering for hours, they develop a depth of flavor that’s both savory and slightly sweet, making them irresistible.

Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these baked beans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Beans:

4 cups cooked navy beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)

6 slices bacon, chopped

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup ketchup

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup molasses

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Bacon:

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan.

Cook the Aromatics:

In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the diced onion. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

Combine the Ingredients:

Transfer the cooked onions and garlic into a slow cooker or a large pot.

Add the navy beans, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Add Bacon and Seasoning:

Add half of the cooked bacon to the pot, reserving the other half for topping.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir everything together.

Slow Cook:

If using a slow cooker, set it to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender and flavors are well-blended. If cooking on the stovetop, simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Serve:

Once the beans are cooked to your desired consistency, garnish with the reserved bacon and freshly chopped parsley.

Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy on its own with crusty bread.

Conclusion

These slow-cooked bacon baked beans are a delightful addition to any meal, adding warmth and flavor with each bite.

The slow cooking process enhances the depth of flavor, making every spoonful rich and satisfying.

Perfectly balanced between smoky, sweet, and savory, this dish is sure to be a hit at gatherings or a comforting family meal.

Enjoy the homestyle goodness of these beans and watch them disappear in no time!