For a good ole’ classic side dish, try this Slow Cooker Baked Beans recipe with crispy bacon and leftover pulled pork! This sweet and savory combo works with many other main dishes and sides. Plus, it’s easy to assemble with canned beans for ultimate convenience.

Slow Cooker Baked Beans garnished and served in bowl

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What’s To Love About This Recipe

This baked bean recipe is a great way to incorporate leftover pulled pork – or any shredded meat – from the fridge or freezer.
It is easy to adjust the flavor by making it sweeter or spicier.
With canned beans and canned crushed tomatoes, it’s quick and easy to combine the ingredients in the slow cooker to simmer away. And, if you don’t already have leftover pulled pork, you can find premade shredded pork, beef, or chicken at the store.
This recipe is hearty yet also an economical option for the size of the dish. You can also ensure you are using quality ingredients without added preservatives.

Ingredients Needed

Bacon – 2 strips of cooked bacon add just the right amount of extra flavor and crispy texture to the baked beans. Cook some right before prepping the slow cooker, or use leftover cooked slices from another meal.
Leftover pulled pork – If you already have pulled pork or shredded meat in the fridge or freezer, it’s so easy to throw together a hearty pot of baked beans! Be sure to defrost the meat before adding it to the slow cooker.
Beans – I used canned white navy beans for this recipe, drained and rinsed. You can also use canned Great Northern or cannellini beans (this recipe is not designed for dried beans).
Crushed tomatoes – Crushed tomatoes add great texture and flavor to the beans.
Brown sugar – Classic baked bean recipes are known to be sweet! Brown sugar adds a rich taste, and you can also swap the sweetener for molasses if you like.
Seasonings – Add some salt, dried ground mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder for a simple seasoning to enhance the combination of beans, pork, and bacon.

1 15 oz can of crushed tomatoes and 2 12.5 cans of navy beans

1 Packet of bacon and small dish with honey pulled pork

How To Make Slow Cooker Baked Beans

In a skillet, microwave, or oven, cook strips of bacon until they are lightly crispy.
Let the bacon cool enough to handle, then crumble the slices into the slow cooker.

Add all remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and mix well with a spoon.

Bacon pieces cooking in the slow cooker and tennessee honey pulled pork and beans

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Slow Cooker Baked Beans cooked in slow cooker

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is written for canned beans and will not work with dried beans.
Navy beans are typically used for baked beans, but you could sub out just about any canned beans. Other similar options are Great Northern or cannellini beans – both light bean varieties. Pinto beans would work, too!
If you’re looking for a vegetarian baked bean option, I suggest checking out my Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Baked Beans. Be sure to check the ingredients on the BBQ sauce label, and any time you need to make a dietary swap.
If you like a sweeter baked bean dish, add more brown sugar or you can also substitute molasses for a more syrupy sauce.
To add some spicy heat to the baked beans, add some red pepper flakes, chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce.
If you don’t have any leftover pulled pork, there are many pre-cooked pulled pork options at the supermarket. Pre-cooked shredded chicken or beef will also work great!

1lb Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey pulled pork

What To Serve With Baked Beans

Picnic, potluck, or party? Baked beans are the quintessential side for sharing. Serve baked beans with a main dish such as:

And of course, baked beans are perfect with hamburgers or hot dogs off the grill. You could also serve a big scoop of baked beans over Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes or Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes.

To add a spread of home-cooked sides with your baked beans, try out Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, Summer Fresh Grilled Corn Salad, and Slow Cooker Green Beans. Macaroni and cheese and dinner rolls would round out a super-tasty plate!

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover baked beans in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the pulled pork has not previously been frozen, you can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost, then reheat in the microwave or on the stove.