Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish to accompany your next barbecue or family gathering, look no further than this slow cooker baked bean recipe. These beans are packed with flavor and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made entirely in your slow cooker, making it a convenient option for busy cooks. Simply combine the ingredients, set the slow cooker to low, and let it do all the work for you. The long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, resulting in a dish that is rich, savory, and oh-so-delicious.
These baked beans are made with a combination of navy beans, bacon, onions, and a sweet and tangy sauce. The smoky flavor from the bacon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Whether you’re serving these beans as a side dish or as part of a main course, they are sure to be a hit with everyone at your table.
Ingredients
If you want to make the best baked beans using a slow cooker, you will need a variety of flavorful ingredients. Here are some of the key items you’ll need to gather before you get started:
- Beans: You’ll need a pound of dried navy beans or another type of small white bean.
- Bacon: A few slices of thick-cut bacon will add rich, smoky flavor to the beans.
- Onion: A medium-sized onion, finely chopped, will contribute to the overall depth of flavor.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves of garlic, minced, will add aromaticness to the dish.
- Molasses: You’ll need a couple of tablespoons of molasses for a touch of sweetness.
- Brown sugar: A tablespoon or two of brown sugar will enhance the sweetness and caramelization.
- Mustard: Adding a tablespoon of prepared mustard will provide a tangy kick.
- Ketchup: A little ketchup helps to create a rich tomato base for the beans.
- Worcestershire sauce: A teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce will contribute to the overall savory profile.
- Vinegar: A tablespoon of cider vinegar or white vinegar will balance out the flavors.
- Spices: You can use a combination of spices, such as chili powder, paprika, and cumin, to add depth and complexity.
With these ingredients at the ready, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious slow cooker baked beans that are packed with flavor.
Preparation
Preparing the best baked beans in a slow cooker requires a few essential steps to ensure that the flavors meld together perfectly. To begin, gather all the necessary ingredients, such as canned baked beans, bacon, onions, molasses, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Take the time to carefully select high-quality ingredients, as they will contribute to the overall taste.
The first step in preparing the baked beans is to cook the bacon until crispy and then chop it into small pieces. This will add a smoky and savory flavor to the dish. Next, chop the onions finely and sauté them in the rendered bacon fat until they become soft and translucent. This will bring out their natural sweetness and contribute to the richness of the dish.
After the bacon and onions are prepared, it’s time to combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Start by adding the canned baked beans, along with their sauce, to the cooker. Then, add the chopped bacon and sautéed onions. To enhance the sweetness and depth of flavor, pour in some molasses and brown sugar. Finally, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for that extra tangy kick.
Once all the ingredients are in the slow cooker, give them a good stir to make sure everything is well combined. Set the slow cooker to low heat and let the beans simmer for several hours. This slow and gentle cooking process will allow the flavors to meld together and develop a rich and irresistible taste.
As the beans cook, make sure to periodically check on them and give them a stir to prevent sticking or burning. Additionally, if you find that the beans are becoming too thick, you can add a small amount of water or broth to thin them out.
After several hours of simmering, the baked beans should be ready. The beans will have absorbed the flavors from the bacon, onions, and other ingredients, resulting in a delicious and hearty dish. Serve the baked beans hot as a side dish or as a main course with crusty bread or cornbread.
Slow Cooker Method
If you’re looking for a convenient and easy way to make baked beans, using a slow cooker is the perfect method. By allowing the beans to cook low and slow, you’ll achieve a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion.
To start, gather all your ingredients, including your preferred type of beans, such as navy beans or pinto beans, along with diced onions, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add bacon or sausage for an extra punch of flavor.
Begin by rinsing and sorting through your beans to remove any debris. Next, soak the beans overnight to help soften them before cooking. In the morning, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.
In your slow cooker, combine the beans, onions, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and any other desired ingredients. Stir everything together until well combined.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow the beans to cook for about 8-10 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking or burning.
Once the beans are cooked to your desired consistency, you can adjust the seasonings to taste. If the beans are too thick, you can add a little water or broth to thin them out. Serve the baked beans hot as a side dish or as a main course with some cornbread or crusty bread.
The slow cooker method is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious and homemade dish without spending too much time in the kitchen. Simply set it and forget it, and in a few hours, you’ll have a satisfying and flavorful batch of baked beans ready to enjoy.
Recipe Variations
When it comes to making the best baked beans in a slow cooker, there are endless recipe variations to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you like your beans sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy, you can easily customize the flavors to create a dish that suits your palate.
One popular variation is to add some sweetness to the beans. You can do this by incorporating ingredients like brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or molasses into the recipe. The sweet flavors will enhance the overall taste of the beans and balance out any savory or spicy ingredients.
If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can add ingredients like bacon, liquid smoke, or smoked paprika to the recipe. These ingredients will give your baked beans a rich and savory flavor that pairs well with other ingredients like onions, garlic, or Worcestershire sauce.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can add some spices or hot sauce to the recipe. Ingredients like chili powder, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños can add a spicy kick to the beans and make them more exciting to eat. Just be sure to adjust the amount of heat according to your tolerance!
Lastly, if you prefer a tangy flavor, you can add ingredients like mustard, apple cider vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce to the recipe. These tangy ingredients will give the beans a refreshing and zesty taste that cuts through the richness of other ingredients and adds a nice balance to the dish.
Experimenting with these recipe variations can help you create a baked bean dish that is truly unique and suited to your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different combinations of flavors to find your perfect recipe!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have your delicious slow cooker baked beans ready, it’s time to think about how to serve them. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable:
- Classic BBQ Side: Serve the baked beans as a classic barbecue side dish alongside grilled meats, hamburgers, hot dogs, or even barbecued chicken. The smoky and savory flavors of the baked beans complement the grilled flavors perfectly.
- Brunch Addition: Baked beans can also be a great addition to a brunch spread. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and toast for a hearty and comforting breakfast or brunch.
- Topping for Baked Potatoes: Scoop a generous serving of baked beans onto a baked potato, and top it with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. This simple and satisfying dish makes for a delicious and filling vegetarian meal.
- Sandwich Filling: Use the baked beans as a filling for sandwiches. Pair them with pulled pork or barbecue chicken for a tasty and hearty sandwich option.
- Tortilla Chip Dip: Transfer the baked beans to a serving bowl and serve them with tortilla chips for a flavorful and easy-to-make dip. This is a great option for parties or gatherings.
With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy the delicious slow cooker baked beans in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a brunch, or simply looking for a tasty snack, these baked beans are sure to impress. So grab your slow cooker and get cooking!
10 Best Baked Bean Recipe Slow Cooker
B&M Baked Beans, Red Kidney, 28 Ounce (Pack of 12)
Features
| Model | 7133217 |
| Release Date | 2013-09-18T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 28 Ounce (Pack of 12) |
| Publication Date | 2013-09-18T00:00:01Z |
- Sweetened with molasses for a complex, smoky taste
- Rich pork sauce and savory spices deliver robust flavor in every bite
- Red kidney’s full-bodied flavor and firm texture make them a great addition to chilis and bean salads
- Excellent source of fiber
- 98% fat free
B&M Baked Beans, Original Flavor, 28 Ounce (Pack of 12)
Features
| Model | 7133043 |
| Release Date | 2013-09-18T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 1.75 Pound (Pack of 12) |
| Publication Date | 2013-09-18T00:00:01Z |
- 99% fat free
- Great source of fiber and protein.Refrigerate unused portion
- Your favorite baked means with the best, traditional flavor
- Each pot is had stirred in thick, rich sauce for that great homemade taste
- Slow baked beans made in old fashioned brick ovens, the traditional New England way
Bush's Best Grillin' Beans, Smokehouse Tradition, 22oz Can (Pack of 12)
Features
| Size | 22 Ounce (Pack of 12) |
- Stock your pantry with 22 oz recyclable cans of Bush’s Smokehouse Tradition Grillin' Beans
- Bush’s Smokehouse Tradition Grillin' Beans are tender navy beans slow-simmered in a robust sauce made with brown sugar, onion, peppers, bacon and a hearty blend of spices
- Bush’s Grillin’ Beans are packed with robust flavor that pairs perfectly with your favorite grilled meats – enjoy with chicken, steak, fish, sausage and moregluten-free and cholesterol-free
- A pantry staple with 7g of protein (8% DV) and 5g of fiber (17% DV) per serving (See nutrition information for sodium content)
B & M Originial Baked Beans - 7 lb. 4oz. can, 6 cans per case
Features
| Part Number | 33049 |
| Size | 18.67 Ounce (Pack of 6) |
Goya Foods Great Northern Beans, Dry, 16 Ounce (Pack of 24)
Features
| Part Number | 041331024853 |
| Release Date | 2020-09-30T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 16 Ounce (Pack of 24) |
| Publication Date | 2012-06-17T00:00:01Z |
- BUTTERY & FLAVORFUL | GOYA Great Northern Beans are Rich, Satisfying And Delicious, Plump and firm to stand up to slow simmering soups and stews.
- EXCELLENT DIET COMPATIBILITY | No Sugar Added, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Fat Free, Saturated Fat Free, 0g Trans Fat, Cholesterol Free, Vegan and Kosher. Good Source of Fiber, Potassium and Iron. Beans contain Protein. Not Bioengineered or Not a Bioengineered Food
- QUICK COOKING | GOYA Great Northern Beans are indispensable in homemade soups, stews and salads. Delicious served over rice
- PREMIUM QUALITY | If it's Goya... it has to be good! | ¡Si es Goya... tiene que ser bueno!
- PACK OF 24: 16 OZ BAGS | Enjoy GOYA's line of Dry Beans, Peas and Grains on Amazon
FAQ
What are serving suggestions?
Serving suggestions are recommendations on how to serve or present a particular food or dish.
Why are serving suggestions mentioned on food packaging?
Serving suggestions are mentioned on food packaging to provide customers with ideas and inspiration on how to enjoy and serve the product.
Are serving suggestions mandatory to follow?
No, serving suggestions are not mandatory to follow. They are simply suggestions and individuals can choose to serve the food in their preferred way.
Can I modify the serving suggestions?
Yes, you can modify the serving suggestions according to your taste and preferences. Feel free to get creative and make the dish your own!
Conclusion
In conclusion, serving suggestions are a valuable tool for enhancing the dining experience and adding creativity to meals. They offer inspiration for presentation and can elevate the overall enjoyment of a dish. Whether it’s a simple garnish or a carefully curated arrangement, serving suggestions can transform a meal into a visually stunning and appetizing masterpiece. So next time you’re preparing a meal, don’t forget to explore the world of serving suggestions and let your culinary creativity shine. Your taste buds and guests will thank you for it.
