Slow Cooker BBQ Baked Beans
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Recipe Overview
Overview
Baked BBQ beans are a classic side dish that can elevate any summer gathering, and this slow cooker version makes it incredibly easy to prepare. Starting with dried pinto beans, the recipe emphasizes the importance of soaking them beforehand to ensure they cook evenly and achieve the perfect texture. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the beans to simmer in a rich homemade barbecue sauce that combines sweetness from brown sugar and molasses with tanginess from vinegar and mustard.
What sets this recipe apart is the use of smoked paprika, which adds a unique depth of flavor that you won’t find in store-bought sauces. As the beans cook, they absorb all the delicious flavors, creating a dish that’s not only comforting but also packed with layers of taste. The simplicity of throwing everything into the crock pot and letting it do its magic is a game-changer for busy cooks.
These BBQ baked beans are perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, or even as a hearty side for a family dinner. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats or can stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian option. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and kept warm in the slow cooker, making them an ideal choice for entertaining. Whether you’re celebrating Memorial Day or just enjoying a weekend barbecue, these beans are sure to be a hit!
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Soak dried pinto beans until they are wrinkly.
Tip: Soaking dried beans helps them cook more evenly.
Put soaked and drained beans into the crock pot.
Tip: Avoid salting beans before cooking to prevent them from becoming tough.
Pour clean water over the beans, about 2 inches above them.
Set the lid on the crock pot and let the beans cook.
Drain off any excess cooking liquid from the beans.
Add chopped onion back into the crock pot with the beans.
Add ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, red wine vinegar, mustard, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the crock pot.
Tip: Use yellow mustard for a distinct flavor in barbecue sauce.
Tip: Add smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Stir all ingredients together in the crock pot.
Set the crock pot to low or high depending on desired cooking time.
Tip: Cooking on low takes longer but allows flavors to develop more.
Serve the baked beans once they have cooked and absorbed the flavors.
Ingredients
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Soaking dried beans helps them cook more evenly and improves their texture.
- •Using homemade barbecue sauce allows for better control over sweetness and flavor.
- •Smoked paprika adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the beans.
- •Cooking beans in a slow cooker allows for hands-off preparation and deep flavor development.
