Barbecue Slow Cooker Beans
A hearty, smoky beans dish with bacon and barbecue flavors, perfect for casual gatherings or comforting weeknight dinners that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown about 6 slices of bacon in the microwave until crisp.
- Break the bacon into small pieces.
- Pour the bacon grease over the chopped onion in a small bowl and microwave until tender.
- Mix baked beans, kidney beans, lima beans, and catsup together in a bowl.
- Add the cooked bacon and onion to the bean mixture and stir well.
- Transfer everything to a crock-pot and cook on low for 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating a tablespoon of mustard or a splash of Worcestershire sauce into the bean mixture. You can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option or use canned beans with no added sugar for a healthier choice. For a smoky flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less catsup to suit your preference.
Serving Suggestions
These barbecue slow cooker beans make a great side dish for summer cookouts and pair beautifully with Hot Dogs In Crock-Pot. Serve them alongside cornbread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They can also be enjoyed as a hearty topping for baked potatoes or served over rice for a filling dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue slow cooker beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. If the beans seem dry, add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Slow Cooker Beans contains roughly 242 calories, with 4g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but they will require soaking and cooking before adding them to the slow cooker. Make sure to cook them until tender and adjust the cooking time accordingly. This will add great texture and flavor to your dish.
What can I add to make the beans spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce into the bean mixture. This will enhance the flavor profile and give your barbecue beans an extra kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and replace it with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. You can also add cooked mushrooms or tempeh to provide a hearty texture while keeping it plant-based.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).