If using dried beans, rinse and soak them overnight in water, then drain, or quick-soak by boiling for 10 minutes and draining.
Place the soaked beans in a large pot, cover with fresh water, and simmer until tender, about 1 hour.
Drain the cooked beans and transfer them into the crockpot, spreading them out evenly.
Add the maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the beans in the crockpot.
Stir everything gently to coat the beans evenly with the sauce and spices.
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for about 4 hours, until the beans are deeply flavored, tender, and the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency.
Open the lid and give the beans a gentle stir — they should be sticky and shiny, with a rich aroma of sweetness and smokiness filling your kitchen.
Serve the maple-baked beans hot, spooned into bowls, enjoying their tender texture and complex flavor profile.