Dad’s Delicious Slow Cooker Baked Beans Recipe

A hearty slow cooker recipe is a family favorite that brings out rich, smoky flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy weeknight, it’s sure to become a go-to side dish everyone will love.

★★★★★5(1 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 10 min

Cook Time 9 hr

Total Time 9 hr 10 min

Difficulty Hard

Ingredients 0/8

1 (16 ounce) package dried navy beans 4 cups water, or more as needed ½ cup molasses 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon salt ¾ teaspoon dry mustard ¼ pound salt pork, thinly sliced 1 onion, sliced

Why You'll Want This Again

This recipe is a comforting classic that’s full of rich, smoky flavors. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days since the slow cooker does most of the work. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth to any meal.

Helpful Cooking Tips

- Soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent beans from sticking to the slow cooker.
- Adjust sweetness and spice levels to your taste by adding more brown sugar or chili powder.

Step 1

Soak the navy beans in a large bowl, covering them with a few inches of cool water. Let them sit for at least 8 hours or overnight. Once soaked, drain the beans and transfer them to a pot. Add enough fresh water to cover the beans, then bring it to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer gently for about an hour, or until they’re just starting to get tender.

Step 2

While the beans are cooking, mix together the molasses, brown sugar, salt, mustard, pepper, and 4 cups of water in a bowl until everything is well combined.

Step 3

Toss the cooked beans, salt pork, and chopped onion into your slow cooker. Pour the molasses mixture over the top, and add a bit more water if the beans aren’t fully covered. Give everything a good stir to mix it all together.

Step 4

Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 8 to 10 hours. The beans will soak up all those flavors and become wonderfully tender. Enjoy!

How To Enjoy This Dish

These beans go great alongside grilled meats, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. They also make a tasty topping for baked potatoes or can be served as a hearty side at barbecues and family gatherings.

Storage Advice

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to three months.

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By Arjun Patel

Recipe Contributor

Arjun enjoys creating straightforward recipes that work well in real kitchens.