Smoky "Baked" Beans

I almost didn't try this based on the reviews, but I had bought all the ingredients and I couldn't understand how this recipe could not be good given what was in it.  I honestly feel like the ingredients give a delightful balance of flavor, BUT I did have to make a couple substitutions - I used regular,not low salt, ketchup and regular, not low salt, soy sauce because it was what I had.  Also,  I was short on the mustard powder (had 1 tbsp) so I added 1 tbsp on Heinz yellow ketchup to make up for it.  I used fresh thyme from the garden, peeled the stems until it got monotonous and then just threw a handful in the pot.  I used Annie Chun's go*chu*jung sauce (if brands matter).  It does make a lot of beans though!  I'm trying not to eat them all myself.

too sweet. Tasted like the baked beans you would find at your grocery store.i am not a fan of sticky sweet beans.

This recipe is a lot of work for something that doesn't taste much better than canned smoky beans.   It does make a lot of beans.  I used regular ketchup and only put in one tablespoon of the chili paste but put in double the garlic.   It is very sweet.  If I ever make it again, I would put half the amount of maple syrup and the suggested amount of chili paste. You use a dutch oven, you need more than one cutting board as you have to cut the bacon and you will use lots of measuring cups and spoons, and then you also get to clean your slow cooker.  I also suggest throwing the fresh thyme in whole, (not chopped).  I just pulled the stems out before serving.  

The idea of using gochujang and red lentils seemed super exciting and fun. Followed the recipe as stated, beans were just the right consistency at 7 hours - which was amazing to me! Made a ton. A ton. The flavor just seemed to be missing just a little something, not sure what. We added some thai chili paste that we had and that made it more interesting, but definitely would not make it again.

This was definately lacking something that I can't figure out. Won't be making this again.