These yummy loaded baked beans are slow cooked to perfection. They have slices of bacon, bits of sausage, a tasty sweet and spicy sauce and even a secret ingredient you would never guess.
This might just be the best baked beans recipe out there. It was a huge hit at our family bbq. The beans are a perfect indulgent side to serve for large gatherings, but the leftovers freeze well so you can make them for small parties as well.
For me, one of the hardest parts about planning a meal is picking the side dishes. It is too easy to get into a rut and it’s hard to get inspired.
There are a few favorite recipes we make over and over. Occasionally a new favorite sneaks in and becomes a new part of the rotation.
That is exactly what happened with these hearty baked beans. We served them with hamburgers and hot dogs on the Fourth of July and it was fun to see people go back for seconds and thirds of the beans.
What’s the Secret Ingredient?
They were trying to guess what was all in the mix. Each bite had a different combination of textures and flavors.
The sausage and bacon were easy to pick out. Of course there were beans and bits of pepper.
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It was the chunks of apple pie filling that really had people thinking. It added to the sweet and savory mix.
Ways To Change It Up
I like serving mine with a little bit of hot sauce so people can pep them up if they want. My grandma likes finely chopped onion and a dash of vinegar on hers.
Because you start with canned beans, this is a relatively easy side dish. I like using the slow cooker, but you can easily make the recipe on the stove top.
Just use a really large pot and cook the mixture over low heat for a half hour, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking or burning. Once the sauce is thickened and the mixture is heated through, you can go ahead and dig in!
More Great Bean Recipes
Baked beans are a classic side dish for good reason. This recipe flavors delicious baked beans with maple syrup and bacon. They start with dry beans and can still be made in a couple of hours with the help of an instant pot.
If you want to enjoy your beans as the main course, make crockpot ham and bean soup. It is such a comforting meal that is always welcome at our dinner table.
Or check out my collection of side dish recipes if you are looking for more great sides to share. There are so many fun recipes that are perfect for any occasion.
Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb. pork sausage
- 1 lb. bacon
- 1 onion diced small
- 1 green pepper diced small
- 21 oz. apple pie filling
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 28 oz. cans baked beans
- 2 10.5 oz. cans black beans rinsed and drained
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crisp, drain the grease and set aside.1 lb. bacon
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat. When the sausage is half cooked, add the diced bell pepper and onion. Cook until the sausage is cooked through and the veggies are softened. Drain off any excess grease.1 lb. pork sausage, 1 onion, 1 green pepper
- Roughly chop the apple pie filling and crispy bacon.21 oz. apple pie filling
- Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker.1 cup ketchup, ½ cup light brown sugar, 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 Tablespoons prepared yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 28 oz. cans baked beans, 2 10.5 oz. cans black beans
- Cook on low for 2-4 hours.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
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I was just telling my husband I always love having beans like this in the summer! I’m totally making these! Happy weekend
I hope you love them!