These New England-style baked beans are the epitome of comfort food, slow-cooked to perfection in a Crock-Pot for a rich, tender result. Dry navy beans are simmered with smoky bacon, savory ham, and a sweet blend of brown sugar and molasses, creating a thick, glossy sauce that coats every bean. The subtle heat from dry mustard balances the sweetness, while the onions add a gentle aromatic depth. This dish is ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or as a hearty side for barbecue. It’s easy to prepare, requiring minimal active time, and yields a deeply flavorful meal that tastes even better the next day.
New England Style Baked Beans -Crockpot
Description
These New England-style baked beans are the epitome of comfort food, slow-cooked to perfection in a Crock-Pot for a rich, tender result. Dry navy beans are simmered with smoky bacon, savory ham, and a sweet blend of brown sugar and molasses, creating a thick, glossy sauce that coats every bean. The subtle heat from dry mustard balances the sweetness, while the onions add a gentle aromatic depth. This dish is ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or as a hearty side for barbecue. It&# 226;ÂÂs easy to prepare, requiring minimal active time, and yields a deeply flavorful meal that tastes even better the next day.Ingredients
Directions
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Sort through dry navy beans, removing any stones or debris, and rinse thoroughly under cold water.
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Place beans in a large pot, cover with water by 2 inches, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes until slightly softened.
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Drain the beans, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
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In a small skillet, cook chopped onion and bacon over medium heat until the bacon is crisp and onion is translucent.
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Transfer the beans, bacon, and onions to the Crock-Pot.
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Add the reserved bean liquid, brown sugar, molasses, dry mustard, salt, and smoked ham hock to the Crock-Pot.
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Stir all ingredients together well to combine.
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Cover and cook on Low for 10 to 12 hours, or on High for 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.
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Remove the ham hock from the pot; chop the meat off the bone and return it to the beans, discarding the bone.
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If a thicker consistency is desired, uncover and cook on High for the last hour.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 980.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 29.3g46%
- Saturated Fat 9.5g48%
- Cholesterol 80.6mg27%
- Sodium 100003.0mg4167%
- Total Carbohydrate 116.0g39%
- Dietary Fiber 22.6g91%
- Sugars 62.4g
- Protein 67.0g134%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and ham hock, and add an extra teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 cup of vegetable broth for depth of flavor.
Variation: Stir in 2/3 cup ketchup and 2 tablespoons prepared mustard during the last hour of cooking for a tangier profile.
Storage: Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the slow cooker, adding a splash of water if too thick.
Tip: If you do not have time to pre-soak/simmer the dry beans, you can use canned navy beans (rinsed and drained), but reduce the cook time to 4-6 hours on Low.