Print

Savory Slow Cooker BBQ Baked Beans Recipe with Thick Cut Bacon

slow cooker BBQ baked beans - featured image
Print Recipe

A hearty and flavorful slow cooker baked beans recipe featuring thick cut bacon, smoky spices, and tangy barbecue sauce. Perfect as a comforting side for BBQs, potlucks, or casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces thick cut bacon, diced
  • 4 cups canned navy beans (about two 15-ounce cans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (smoky, slightly sweet)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon molasses (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste (start with ½ teaspoon)
  • ½ cup water or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Dice 8 ounces of thick cut bacon into small pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp and golden, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Add the finely chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat.
  3. In a 4-6 quart slow cooker, add the drained and rinsed navy beans (about 4 cups). Stir in the cooked bacon, sautéed onion and garlic, barbecue sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, and molasses.
  4. Add apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt to taste, and water or chicken broth. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine.
  5. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until beans are tender and sauce is thick and glossy.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the beans. If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid and cook on high for 20-30 minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, vinegar, or brown sugar if needed.
  7. Serve warm alongside your favorite mains or as a hearty side.

Notes

For gluten-free, check barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce labels. Vegetarian version: omit bacon and add 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and improve texture. Avoid lifting slow cooker lid frequently to maintain moisture. Adjust sweetness and acidity near end of cooking to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker baked beans, BBQ baked beans, thick cut bacon, slow cooker recipe, easy side dish, BBQ side, comfort food

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/savory-slow-cooker-bbq-baked-beans-recipe-with-thick-cut-bacon-easy-and-perfect/