Slow Cooker Savory Baked Beans–this easy bean recipe is a twist on the normal sweet version of baked beans, these baked beans are savory and sure to be a hit at your next picnic!
Baked beans are a popular picnic and potluck dish and making a savory baked beans instead of traditional sweet baked beans is a unique twist. And the bonus is that they are made in the slow cooker and couldn’t be easier! I may be the weird one one but I don’t really like ultra sweetened meat or beans. I for sure like sweet in my desserts but not really in my dinner.
And since today is International Picnic Day here are some other great picnic recipes from other food blogger friends:
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Red White and Blue Fruit Salad
Pesto Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Secret Ingredient Potato Salad
Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches
Watermelon Avocado Cucumber Salad
Ham and Cheese Picnic Sandwiches
Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps

Slow Cooker Savory Baked Beans
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
A savory version of baked beans made in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 (15.5 oz) cans of pinto beans
- 2 tsp liquid smoke
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp beef bouillon
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground red pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Instructions
- Add both cans of beans, juice and all, to the slow cooker. Add in the liquid smoke, brown sugar, bouillon, mustard, garlic powder and red pepper to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours.
- Stir in ketchup and serve.
Notes
I used my 3 quart slow cooker for this recipe.
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Using the slow cooker, haven’t in a long time. The time should be 4 hours. I put it on 04:00 is that four hours or 4 minutes. Or should it be 40:00, that doesn’t look right either. So for the dumb question.
I think 04:00 is four hours.
Can these be made in the instant pot with dry beans instead of canned?
I would make the dried beans by themselves first. Soak overnight if possible. Then cook according to times indicated here: https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/instant-pot-cooking-times/
Drain and then stir in rest of ingredients and turn to saute and let cook for a few minutes.
Does this almost taste like a chili? I donโt like sweet beans. There is a bbq restaurant I go to which serves more of a savory bean which reminds me more of a meatless chili.
yeah, probably. It’s not sweet like usual baked beans.
Excellent.
Lots of great flavor.
Not what I would consider “baked” beans. But a wonderful pot of pinto beans.
These would go great with a Mexican meal.
I will be making again.
★★★★★
Glad you liked them Michael!
Iโm the same way. I love desserts but thatโs the only thing I really like sweet. I do not like sweet sauces, relishes, or salad dressings and I donโt like beans that are really sweet.
The worst for me is sweet pickles. YUK
Baked beans are a must at every picnic. I am making my version today! And I can’t wait to check out the other recipes!
Yes I agree!
These look delicious!
I don’t like my baked beans overly sweet either. I bet these are delicious with the addition of the liquid smoke. Yum!
yes they are!!
Baked beans are a definite must have at a potluck or picnic. These look so packed full of flavor and goodness!
Thanks Aimee!