Easy crock pot baked beans are a simple and delicious side dish that’s cooked all day. This recipe uses dry beans and makes enough for a large group or you can freeze the extras. Gluten-free.
This kid-friendly classic doesn’t need to be complicated or take a lot of time. With minimal ingredients and a 10-minute prep time, you’ll quickly find this recipe replacing canned baked beans!
Crockpot baked beans can easily be assembled in the morning then left to cook all day, making this side dish a simple addition that doesn’t take much time or effort. You might also enjoy Grandma Browns Baked Beans.
There’s not much that goes better with a summer BBQ than crockpot baked beans. Paired with a few of our other potluck favorites like our Gluten Free Potato Salad, Gluten Free Pasta Salad and Apple Fruit Salad with Cool Whip, you will be set with the ultimate spread!
This recipe for baked beans uses dry beans which are inexpensive, simple to use, and taste amazing! Did you know you don’t need to soak dry legumes? Saves time and money! Read more about it here.
We are excited to partner with Pick ‘N Save/Metro Market, a store we’ve proudly supported for years. Their Kroger and Simple Truth brands ensure quality and savings, adding an extra layer of assurance for families. Create Kids Club values wholesome choices and delicious meals, and our collaboration creates an ideal platform for affordable, quality living.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bag dry Great Northern Beans, rinsed
- 2 29 ounce cans tomato sauce ✅
- 8 cups water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses ✅
- 2 tablespoons dry mustard ✅
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar ✅
- 1 tablespoon onion powder ✅
- 1 tablespoon salt
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
How To Make
To begin crafting a delicious batch of baked beans, start by preparing the main ingredient – the Great Northern Beans. Place the beans into a colander and ensure a thorough rinse under cold water. Take a moment to carefully inspect the beans, removing any undesirable ones or small stones that may have found their way into the mix. This step is crucial for guaranteeing the quality and cleanliness of your beans.
In a crockpot, combine the rinsed 2-pound bag of Great Northern Beans with 2 cans of tomato sauce, 8 cups of water, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of molasses, 2 tablespoons of dry mustard, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Stir the ingredients thoroughly.
The heart of the preparation lies in the slow cooking process. Set the crockpot to high and let the ingredients mingle and meld their flavors over the course of 8 to 10 hours. This gradual infusion of tastes and textures results in a rich, hearty dish that captures the essence of classic baked beans.
Once the slow cooking is complete, it’s time to unveil your masterpiece. Whether you prefer your baked beans hot or opt for a refreshing cold serving, this versatile dish is ready to grace your table. The melding of sweet molasses, tangy vinegar, and savory spices in every spoonful ensures a culinary experience that is both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for gatherings or as a delightful accompaniment to a variety of meals, your homemade baked beans are bound to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Soaking the Beans: If you are looking to speed up the cooking process, consider soaking the Great Northern beans overnight. This can help reduce the cooking time and improve the texture of the beans.
Bacon or Ham Addition: For added flavor, consider adding a few slices of cooked and chopped bacon or small pieces of ham. You can include them with the other ingredients in the crockpot.
Adjusting Sweetness and Tanginess: Taste the mixture before starting the cooking process. If you prefer sweeter beans, add more brown sugar or molasses. For a tangier flavor, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar.
Testing for Doneness: Check the beans for doneness around the 8-hour mark. The cooking time can vary depending on your specific crockpot. The beans should be tender, but not mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s recommended to soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. This recipe showcases how to prepare baked beans without soaking. You can do either method.
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If using canned beans, reduce the cooking time to about 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high.
If the beans are still firm after the recommended cooking time, continue cooking and check them periodically. You can also increase the temperature to high to expedite the process.
Yes, you can add cooked bacon, sausage, or ham for extra flavor. Add these ingredients at the beginning of the cooking process.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Add bacon to cook with the beans or crumble crispy bacon on the top before serving
- Turn the slow cooker on high and let cook overnight instead of during the day
- Serve alongside grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, pork chops or our popular Cheese Curd Burger
Storage Instructions
To store your crockpot baked beans, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Ensure that the container is sealed securely to prevent the absorption of odors from the refrigerator and to maintain freshness. Refrigerate the beans promptly, and they can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
If you have a larger batch or plan to store them for a more extended period, consider freezing the beans. Portion them into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the containers with the date for easy tracking.
When reheating, you may need to add a bit of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency. Proper storage practices will help preserve the flavor and quality of your crockpot baked beans.
More Bean Recipes
- Crockpot Refried Beans
- Ground Beef and Bean Burrito
- Taco Dip with Refried Beans
- Black Bean Brownie Recipe
- Gluten-Free Black Bean Burgers
- Bean and Cheese Burrito
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Crock Pot Baked Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bag dry Great Northern Beans, rinsed
- 2 29 ounce cans tomato sauce ✅
- 8 cups water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses ✅
- 2 tablespoons dry mustard ✅
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar ✅
- 1 tablespoon onion powder ✅
- 1 tablespoon salt
Instructions
- Prep the beans. Place the beans into a colander and rinse well. Pick out any bad beans or small stones.
- Combine the ingredients. Add all ingredients to the crockpot then stir.2 pounds bag dry Great Northern Beans, rinsed, 2 29 ounce cans tomato sauce, 8 cups water, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup molasses, 2 tablespoons dry mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon salt
- ⭐️Cook. Cook on high for 8-10 hours.
- Serve. Serve hot or cold.
Notes
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- This is one of our favorite recipes to prep in advance then freeze in small portions. We then reheat these vegetarian beans and serve on a weeknight.
- To reheat, microwave in 30-second increments until hot.
Nutrition
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Melissa says
These beans were a hit at our grill out last weekend! I loved how easy there were to make.