1️⃣ Mix Everything (Except Bacon)
Add the canned pork and beans to your slow cooker, then toss in the chopped onion and diced green pepper for freshness and crunch. Stir in molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar — these ingredients create a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. Mix well so everything blends together evenly.
2️⃣ Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to LOW and let the beans simmer gently for 5 to 6 hours. This slow cook melds the flavors and softens the beans to tender perfection. If you’re short on time, cook on HIGH for 3 hours, stirring now and then. Either way, expect rich, caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth baked beans.
3️⃣ Add Bacon for Extra Flavor
About 10 minutes before serving, fold in half the cooked bacon to infuse the beans with smoky, savory goodness. Save the remaining bacon to sprinkle on top just before serving — the crispy bacon bits add delightful texture and an extra burst of flavor.
4️⃣ Serve and Enjoy!
These baked beans pair beautifully with grilled meats, juicy burgers, or classic cornbread. Even better, their flavors deepen overnight, so consider making them a day ahead for your next get-together.
Pro Tips & Flavor Twists
-
Smoky Boost: Swap yellow mustard for Dijon and add ½ tsp smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
-
Spicy Heat: Add 1 tbsp finely minced jalapeño or 1 tsp chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
-
Maple Sweetness: Replace brown sugar with ½ cup pure maple syrup for a natural, subtle sweetness.
-
Bourbon Flavor: Stir in 2 tbsp bourbon with the molasses for warm, boozy notes — perfect for adult gatherings.
Want to Make It From Scratch?
Skip canned beans and use 6 cups cooked navy beans instead. This requires soaking and cooking dried beans ahead but rewards you with a fresher, creamier texture.