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Crockpot Maple Baked Beans

This dish features tender beans cooked slowly in a flavorful mixture of maple syrup, smoky seasonings, and aromatic spices, resulting in a thick, glossy, and caramelized topping. The slow cooker ensures the ingredients meld together, creating a rich and comforting side with a hearty texture and enticing aroma.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: comfort food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dried navy beans or cannellini beans, pre-soaked if preferred
  • 4 cups water or broth for cooking beans
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup pure maple syrup for sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a subtle kick
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar balance sweetness with acidity
  • 1 teaspoon mustard optional for extra flavor
  • Salt and pepper to taste seasonings

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Rinse the dried beans thoroughly under cold water, removing any debris.
  2. Add the beans to the slow cooker along with water or broth. Cover and cook on high for about 2-3 hours until tender, or until the beans are soft but not mushy.
  3. While the beans cook, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside.
  4. Once the beans are tender, drain any excess cooking liquid if necessary, and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
  5. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne, apple cider vinegar, and mustard to the beans. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly.
  6. Pour the bean mixture back into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for about 3-4 hours to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken, stirring once or twice.
  7. Check the beans for tenderness and thickness. If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid and cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes to reduce and glaze the beans.
  8. Taste the beans and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more vinegar if needed for balance.
  9. Once the beans are thick, glossy, and fragrant, serve them hot as a flavorful side dish or hearty main component.

Notes

For quicker preparation, soak the beans overnight or do a quick soak in boiling water for 1 hour. Adjust sweetness and spice levels to taste. This dish refrigerates well and can be reheated gently to preserve its richness.