Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
Before we dive into the method, here is why this baked bean macaroni will become a favorite.
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Only 3 ingredients. Simple and affordable.
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No pre-cooking. Everything goes into the slow cooker raw.
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Set it and forget it. The slow cooker does all the work.
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Sweet and savory. Rich, satisfying, and delicious.
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Crowd-pleasing. Everyone loves pasta and beans.
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Budget-friendly. Canned beans and pasta are inexpensive.
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Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Servings: 4
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2 cans (28 ounces each) thick-style baked beans with molasses or brown sugar
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3 cups water
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2 cups dry elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces)
Ingredient Notes
Baked beans: Use thick-style baked beans with molasses or brown sugar. They provide the sweet, savory base.
Water: Helps the pasta cook and loosens the sauce.
Elbow macaroni: Use dry elbow macaroni. It cooks perfectly in the slow cooker.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly spray or grease the inside of your slow cooker crock to help prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add the Beans
Pour the canned baked beans into the slow cooker, scraping out all the thick sauce from the cans.
Step 3: Add the Water
Add the water to the slow cooker and stir well to loosen and thin the baked bean sauce.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Stir in the dry elbow macaroni, making sure all the pasta is submerged in the bean mixture and evenly distributed.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring once about halfway through, until the macaroni is tender and the beans are very soft.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the macaroni is fully cooked and the mixture is thick and glossy, turn the slow cooker to WARM. Give everything a final stir. If it is too thick, stir in a splash of hot water. If it is too loose, leave the lid off and let it sit on WARM for 5 to 10 minutes.
How to Serve Baked Bean Macaroni
This sweet, savory pasta is delicious on its own, but a few accompaniments make it even better.
With a Green Salad: A simple salad cuts through the richness.
With Hot Dogs: Serve with sliced hot dogs for a classic pairing.
With Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up the sauce.
With Coleslaw: Cool, creamy coleslaw balances the sweetness.
With Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with parsley or chives.
Variations & Tips
Make It with Different Beans: Use vegetarian or smoky baked beans.
Make It with Different Pasta: Use shells or rotini.
Make It with Bacon: Add crumbled cooked bacon.
Make It with Sausage: Add sliced smoked sausage.
Make It with Onion: Add diced onion.
Make It with Mustard: Add a splash of mustard for tang.
Make It with Brown Sugar: Add extra brown sugar for sweetness.
Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
Pro Tips for Absolute Success
Stir once halfway through. This prevents sticking.
Do not overcook the pasta. Check at 1 1/2 hours.
Let the dish rest on WARM. This allows the sauce to thicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different bean?
Yes. Any baked beans work.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes. Shells or rotini can be used.
Can I use a different liquid?
Yes. Broth can be used instead of water.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Reheat before serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Why is my sauce thin?
The pasta did not absorb enough liquid. Let it rest.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Add onions or peppers.
Can I use a different pan?
This recipe is designed for a slow cooker.
Can I make this on the stove?
Yes. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
The Beauty of Simple One-Pot Meals
There is something deeply satisfying about a meal that comes together with almost no effort. It is the kind of food that makes people happy. This baked bean macaroni is a celebration of all those things.
Keep baked beans in your pantry. Keep pasta in your cupboard. Keep water in your tap. This recipe is the reason why.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 1/2 to 2 hours on HIGH
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
Yield: 4 servings