Crockpot Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon

Hey friend 👋

If you’re looking for the kind of dish that smells like a summer BBQ but takes almost no effort—this is it. Crockpot Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon is one of those meals that makes the whole house smell amazing and tastes even better the next day.

We make this on busy weeks, lazy weekends, or whenever we’re feeding a crowd. It’s smoky, sweet, hearty, and totally comforting. And yes, everything cooks in one pot!

🍴 What You’ll Need

1 lb ground beef
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 (15 oz) cans pork and beans, undrained
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt & pepper to taste

raw ground beef (1 lb), chopped raw bacon (6 slices), diced yellow onion (1 medium), three unopened cans of pork and beans (15 oz each), one opened can of kidney beans (drained), one opened can of black beans (drained), barbecue sauce (in a small glass bowl)

💡 Pro Tips

Pre-cook the bacon until crispy before adding to the slow cooker—this adds tons of flavor.
Drain your beans (except the pork and beans) to avoid excess liquid.
Low and slow is the way to go. Cook on low for 6-7 hours to let all the flavors come together.
Make ahead and reheat—it actually tastes better the next day.
Use a liner or spray your crockpot for easy cleanup.

🔪 Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet
Cutting board & knife
Wooden spoon
Slow cooker (6 qt)
Can opener
Measuring cups and spoons

🔁 Substitutions & Variations

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage.
Use pinto or navy beans instead of kidney or black beans.
For a spicy kick, add 1 tsp chipotle powder or diced jalapeños.
Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.

🧊 Make Ahead Tips

You can brown the meat and bacon, and dice the onion the night before. Store everything in the fridge, and just toss it all in the slow cooker in the morning.

🍲 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the bacon

In a skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

crispy chopped bacon pieces sizzling in a black skillet, edges golden brown, small bits of rendered fat visible

Step 2: Brown the ground beef and onions

In the same skillet, cook ground beef and diced onions until beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess grease.

browned ground beef and softened diced yellow onion mixed in a skillet, little caramelized bits forming

Step 3: Add everything to the crockpot

Add pork and beans (undrained), drained kidney and black beans, cooked beef/onion mix, crispy bacon, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Stir to combine.

a crockpot filled with pork and beans, black and kidney beans (drained), browned beef and onions, crispy bacon, and sauces layered on top

Step 4: Slow cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Stir well before serving. Top with extra bacon or chopped parsley if you want to be fancy.

finished baked beans with beef and bacon, thick and rich, served hot in a ceramic bowl with a spoon tucked in, bits of bacon and herbs visible on top

🍱 Leftovers & Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or stovetop—add a splash of water if it’s too thick.
Freezes well up to 2 months.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe has been in our family for years. I first had it at a potluck when I was a teen and begged for the recipe. Since then, I’ve tweaked it a bit, but it always brings people back for seconds.

One-pot wonder—less cleanup!
Smells like BBQ season, even in winter.
So satisfying and filling.
Super forgiving—easy to make your own.

🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

The slow cooking time allows the beans to soak up all the sauce and flavor.
Browning the meat first builds flavor through the Maillard reaction.
Keeping the pork and beans undrained gives the sauce a thick, rich base.

🥘 Meal Plan Ideas

Serve with: Cornbread, coleslaw, or a baked potato.
Use leftovers: Spoon it over toast or rice for a quick lunch.
Pair it with grilled meats for a full BBQ spread.

🚫 Common Mistakes

Don’t skip cooking the bacon—raw bacon turns rubbery in the crockpot.
Overcooking can dry it out—stick to the time guide.
Forgetting to drain the extra beans can make it too watery.

🍽️ What to Serve With

Grilled hot dogs or burgers
Buttery cornbread
Coleslaw
Pickles and chips
A fresh green salad

❓ FAQ

Can I use dried beans?
Yes, but soak and cook them first. This recipe is built for canned beans for ease.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Sure! Skip the meat and bacon, add smoked paprika and more beans.

What kind of BBQ sauce is best?
A smoky or honey BBQ sauce works great—but use your favorite!

🙌 Let’s Wrap It Up

I hope you give this Crockpot Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon a try. It’s cozy, satisfying, and so simple to throw together. If you make it, drop a comment below—I’d love to hear what you think or help with any questions!

Happy cooking! 🥄

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