Print

Best Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Bourbon Baked Beans (Easy!)

slow cooker brown sugar bourbon baked beans - featured image
Print Recipe

A rich, caramelized side dish featuring dry navy beans slow-cooked with brown sugar, ketchup, and bourbon for a smoky, sweet, and savory flavor profile that is perfect for game day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dry navy beans (or 4 cans (15 oz each) canned navy beans, rinsed and drained)
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 1 tsp smoked paprika for vegetarian version)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the beans: If using dry beans, rinse thoroughly and place in the slow cooker. If using canned beans, rinse, drain, and add to the pot.
  2. Cook the bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and crumble, but reserve the fat in the pan.
  3. Sauté the onion: Add diced onion to the reserved bacon fat and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent.
  4. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until sugar is mostly dissolved.
  5. Mix everything: Pour the sauce mixture over the beans in the slow cooker. Add the sautéed onions and crumbled bacon (reserving some for topping). Stir gently to combine.
  6. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until beans are tender.
  7. Final stir and serve: About 30 minutes before serving, stir the beans. If too thin, cook uncovered for the last hour to thicken. Top with reserved bacon and serve warm.

Notes

If using canned beans, reduce cooking time to 2-3 hours on low. For a non-alcoholic version, swap bourbon for apple cider. Ensure ketchup and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free if needed. Do not rush cooking on high heat to ensure even texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker baked beans, bourbon baked beans, brown sugar beans, game day side dish, easy slow cooker recipes, comfort food, navy beans recipe

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/best-slow-cooker-brown-sugar-bourbon-baked-beans-easy/