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Cozy Maple Baked Beans Slow Cooker Recipe Easy Perfect Brown Sugar Flavor

maple baked beans slow cooker - featured image

A comforting slow cooker recipe for maple baked beans with rich brown sugar sweetness, smoky paprika, and a touch of apple cider vinegar, perfect for cozy fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried navy beans (about 450 g), soaked overnight or quick-soaked
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup (120 ml)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (100 g), dark or light
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1½ teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 cups water or vegetable broth (960 ml)
  • Optional: A splash of maple-flavored bacon drippings or liquid smoke

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound dried navy beans under cold water. Soak overnight in a large bowl with enough water to cover by 2 inches. For a quick soak, bring beans and water to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Finely chop 1 medium yellow onion and mince 3 garlic cloves.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup pure maple syrup, ½ cup packed brown sugar, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1½ teaspoons salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
  4. Add the soaked and drained beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, and sauce mixture into the slow cooker. Pour in 4 cups water or vegetable broth. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until beans are tender and sauce is thickened. Stir occasionally, especially after the first 4 hours to check liquid levels. If the sauce looks too thin near the end, remove the lid and cook for an extra 30 minutes to reduce.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt or a splash of vinegar if needed to balance the sweetness.
  7. Serve warm, spooned into bowls or a serving dish. Enjoy with crusty bread or alongside your favorite main dishes.

Notes

Soaking beans overnight improves texture and digestibility. Use pure maple syrup for authentic flavor. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent burning and check liquid levels. Apple cider vinegar balances sweetness. Optional additions include maple-flavored bacon drippings or liquid smoke for extra depth. Can be made on stovetop using a Dutch oven with adjusted cooking times.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple baked beans, slow cooker baked beans, brown sugar baked beans, cozy fall recipe, slow cooker recipe, vegan baked beans, gluten-free baked beans