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

When I make any dish, I try to balance flavors, which is why this combination of sweet and salty works so well. This is my mother’s recipe, but she baked them in the oven rather than a slow cooker.

Ingredients

• Baked beans (16 ounce cans)
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar (more if you want them sweeter)
• Garlic powder
• Onion poder
• Dash of Tabasco (optional)
• Bacon cut into 1″ strips (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

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

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.

They are just as good alongside a steak as a hamburger. Or 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, try turkey bacon or ham instead. I’ve even used bits of leftover pulled pork. It doesn’t matter. The key point in adding any meat is for flavor, so choose what makes your taste buds happy.

Versatile Side Dish

One of the things that I love about baked beans is how versatile they are. In fact, they go with almost any meal at any time of year. I like to serve them during Fourth of July picnics, Thanksgiving dinner, church potlucks, or any time I’m in the mood for an extra delicious side dish.

Please feel free to share!