This crockpot baked beans recipe is easy, and the results are go-back-for-seconds delicious! These are perfect as a side dish for a family dinner or to bring to your next potluck.

Seasoned-to-Perfection Baked Beans

When I make any dish, I try to balance flavors. For that reason, I make sure these beans have a blend of sweet and salty.

If you bring these beans and a couple of salads to any get-together, you’ll be on the next invitation list, for sure.

A couple of the salads I like are this cucumber, tomato, and corn salad or this delicious creamy pasta salad.

Or if you prefer more traditional sides to serve with it, you’ll love this creamy coleslaw or this absolutely amazing potato salad.

Mama’s Baked Beans

I’ll never forget the baked beans my mom used to make. People were always amazed that hers were better than everyone else’s.

Daddy was in the U.S. Air Force, so when we lived overseas we found other families to hang out with.

Since we were all away from our families, we typically celebrated all of the major holidays with potlucks.

Even when several people brought their best baked beans to the side table at get-togethers, hers were always the first to disappear. Apparently, they thought she sprinkled a little bit of magic into them. Sometimes I wonder …

Baked Bean Magic

After I realized how coveted Mama’s baked beans were, I started hovering in the kitchen to see what that magic was. Most of the time, she kept me involved in a conversation—probably to distract me.

Then one day I caught her in the act of adding mustard. It wasn’t much, but it was just enough to give it a little extra zing.

After she realized I saw, she told me not to tell anyone at the potluck. This was our little secret that made her feel like she had something everyone wanted.

Our Little Secret

My mother passed away many years ago, and I can’t help but think about her when I make these baked beans. She didn’t cook them in a crockpot, so that’s my twist on the recipe.

Now I’m sharing this with you, so it will be our little secret. Shh, don’t tell anyone, okay?

What Goes in Crockpot Baked Beans

You only need a few ingredients to turn out some of the best baked beans that will ever find their way to your mouth.

You’ll need beans, of course. You probably have everything else you need in your pantry or fridge.

I’ve used navy beans, canned baked beans, and this time, pinto beans. It really doesn’t matter because the sauce is the star of the show.

You’ll also need ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Additionally, if you like them spicy, you’ll need some Tabasco or other source of heat. I’m thinking sriracha sauce would be delicious too!

I also like to add bacon, although that isn’t a necessary ingredient. Bacon gives them a slightly smoky flavor that we enjoy.

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

How to Make Crockpot Baked Beans

First, I always spray the inside of my crockpot with nonstick cooking spray because that makes it easier to clean.

Next, pour the ketchup into your crockpot.

Then add the mustard. Next, pour the Worcestershire sauce into the crockpot.

Now, add the brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder.

If you’re using Tabasco and bacon, put those into the mixture and give it a good stir.

Finally, drain the beans and add them. Mix well. Put the lid on the crockpot and turn it on.

Now you can go about your day and let the slow cooker do the work. In a few hours, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready to eat!

What to Serve with Baked Beans

Basically, baked beans go with everything. You can serve it at the dinner table or take it outside for a backyard cookout. As I already mentioned, it’s the perfect dish for a potluck or any type of buffet table.

Although most people associate baked beans with casual meals, you can also serve them at any meal.

They are just as good alongside a steak as a hamburger. In fact, if you are a vegetarian, you can leave out the bacon and serve them with vegetables.

Make Them Your Own

As someone who loves to alter recipes, I advise anyone who wants to cook to try the recipe as-is the first time. Afterward, switch things up changing and swapping out the ingredients.

There are some basic things you can try with good results. Do you prefer sweeter baked beans?

If so, add more brown sugar. Another option is to use maple syrup in place of the brown sugar.

How about spice? If you like things so hot you need a fire hose, add more Tabasco.

Or if you prefer a milder taste, cut back on the hot sauce. You can also leave it out altogether if your palate is super sensitive.

As for the bacon, you can use turkey bacon or ham instead. Or you can try bits of pulled pork.

It doesn’t matter. The key point in adding any meat is for flavor, so choose what makes your taste buds happy.

More Recipes

See this recipe shared at Full Plate Thursday, Meal Plan Monday, and Weekend Potluck.

Please feel free to share!