Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Baked Beans

Packed with sweet, savory, and tangy flavor, these easy Slow-Cooker Dr. Pepper Baked Beans will be a guaranteed hit for summer cookouts, tailgating, potlucks, and more. Making these baked beans from scratch and slow-cooking them for hours will give them a depth of flavor that will keep your family and friends coming back for more!

While your crock pot cooks the beans into a mouthwatering side dish, prepping the beans with a fantastic array of spices takes just minutes. To help caramelize and flavor the beans while they’re slow cooking, you’ll use three varieties of canned beans: bacon, BBQ sauce, onions, garlic, spices, and Dr. Pepper!

Cooking the beans low and slow will render a thick and luscious sauce that infuses them with an outrageous combination of flavors. This makes them perfect to serve for game days and holidays such as the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and BBQs.

Ingredients Needed

Cooked Bacon – chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Onion – diced. Use white or yellow to add flavor.
Garlic – minced. Adds flavor.
Pinto Beans – canned, rinsed and drained.
Red Kidney Beans – canned, rinsed, and drained.
White Cannellini Beans – canned, rinsed, and drained.
Vinegar – to add a hint of flavor and acidity.
BBQ Sauce – use your favorite brand and flavor.
Brown Sugar – to add sweetness and help caramelize the sauce as it slowly cooks.
Mustard – to add flavor and acidity.
Worcestershire Sauce – to add flavor.
Spices and Seasonings – chili powder, salt and black pepper,
Dr. Pepper – to add subtle flavor and sweetness.
Parsley is chopped for an optional garnish before serving.

How To Make Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Baked Beans

STEP 1: To your slow cooker, add the cooked bacon, onion, garlic, beans, vinegar, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, black pepper, salt and Dr. Pepper.
STEP 2: Stir everything together.
STEP 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
STEP 4: Garnish with parsley and serve.

What Does The Dr. Pepper Do?

This soda pop claims to have 23 flavors in its secret recipe, making it a tasty ingredient to drink but also add to baked beans! This recipe adds sweetness, spiciness, and subtle flavors of cherry, vanilla, fruit, and cinnamon. It’s the perfect way to make your baked beans taste unique and earn rave reviews!

Can I Use A Different Soda Pop?

Sure! You can always use a classic dark cola or one with other flavors added, such as cherry or vanilla cola. I suggest not using the diet version of any of these. You want the sugar in the regular soda pop versions since it’s a key ingredient in helping the beans caramelize and thicken.

Add-Ins

• Add chopped bell peppers (any color) for some vegetable texture and complimentary flavor.
• Do you need it spicier with more heat? Add jalapenos, ground cayenne pepper powder, or red pepper flakes.
• Make it a heartier dish by adding in cooked ground beef or sausage.

Can I Bake These In The Oven?

Yes! Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and then transfer them to an oven-safe pot, such as a Dutch oven or a large and deep baking dish. Bake them in a preheated 350-degree F oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you prefer thicker, less saucy beans, bake them for 2 hours.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Baked Beans

Baked beans are a staple side dish for many meaty recipes, especially during grilling season, game days, and the holidays. Here are a few delicious ideas that pair perfectly with my Dr. Pepper baked beans.

Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Ribs
Air Fryer Hamburgers
Coca-Cola Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings
Easy Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs
Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef
Pulled BBQ Chicken Recipe
Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Quesadillas

Are These Dr. Pepper Baked Beans Freezer-Friendly?

Yes. Be sure to cool the cooked Dr. Pepper baked beans before storing them in an airtight and freezer-friendly container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating them in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Storage

Cooled leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them. See the section directly above for freezing instructions.

More Delicious Ways To Cook With Beans

Slow Cooker Beefy Baked Beans
Slow Cooker Cube Steak Chili
Slow Cooker Cowboy Stew
Baked Beans With Bacon
Sweet and Smoky Crockpot Chili
Greek Bean Salad