how long to cook baked beans in crock pot
Cooking baked beans in a crock pot is a convenient and hands-off method that results in tender, flavorful beans. The cooking time will depend on whether you’re using canned beans or dried beans. Here’s a general guide:
1. Using Canned Baked Beans (Precooked):
- Cooking Time: 4–6 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH.
- Instructions: Pour the canned beans into the crock pot. If desired, add any additional ingredients like brown sugar, bacon, or spices. Cook on your preferred setting until the flavors are melded and the beans are heated through.
2. Using Dried Beans (Uncooked):
- Soak the Beans: Rinse and soak dried beans in water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse them before adding to the crock pot.
- Cooking Time: 10–12 hours on LOW or 6–8 hours on HIGH.
- Instructions: Add the soaked and rinsed beans to the crock pot along with your desired sauce (like tomato-based sauce, spices, and any other ingredients). Cook on LOW for 10–12 hours or HIGH for 6–8 hours until the beans are tender.
Tips:
- If you forget to soak the dried beans, you can skip soaking but expect the cooking time to increase by a few hours.
- Always ensure there is enough liquid in the crock pot to prevent the beans from drying out.
- You can add ingredients like ground beef, bacon, or ham for added flavor.
Let the crock pot do the work while you go about your day, and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal!
