Slow Cooker Baked Beans (365daysofcrockpot.com)

I've been searching for recipes where you actually make the food from scratch instead of combining canned goods and adding a few extra ingredients (although I do have a couple winners, which use that format). It can be hard to find recipes that start with dry beans, for example. I was thrilled with this one and can't wait to try it again... and to not forget about the cooking time.

1 c dry pinto beans, rinsed and drained


4 c water


4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

½ small onion, diced


1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce


2 Tbsp brown sugar


1 Tbsp molasses


1 tsp salt


¼ tsp chili powder


¼ tsp garlic powder


¼ tsp dried mustard


Combine beans and water in slow cooker and cover. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or until soft (I did 4 hours on high). Drain liquid and add in the rest of the ingredients. Stir. Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 3 hours.

I overcooked my beans, so they were still tasty (spicy, too), but a little drier than I’d prefer. I’m hoping that next time they’ll be perfect.