Slow Cooker Barbecue Beans Recipe 🍲🔥

Overview:

This Slow Cooker Barbecue Beans recipe is a delightful blend of flavors, combining tender ground beef, savory bacon, and hearty beans, all simmered together in a tangy barbecue sauce until they reach the perfect level of tenderness and flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or anytime you’re craving a comforting, satisfying meal. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a fuss-free recipe that delivers maximum flavor. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering dish!

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 pound bacon, chopped
2 cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup catsup (ketchup)
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
1 tablespoon white vinegar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 onion, chopped

Instructions:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4-6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onions until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are translucent. This step adds a depth of flavor to the dish, infusing the beef with the aromatic sweetness of the onions.
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Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Once the ground beef is cooked, transfer it to your slow cooker. Add in the chopped bacon, butter beans, kidney beans, brown sugar, catsup, liquid smoke, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful base for the barbecue beans.
Mix Well: Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Ensure that the brown sugar is evenly distributed throughout the mixture to add sweetness to every bite.
Cook on Low: Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook the barbecue beans for 4-6 hours. Cooking them slowly allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a dish that’s bursting with savory goodness.
Check for Doneness: After 4 hours of cooking, check the beans for doneness. They should be tender and flavorful. If they’re not quite ready, continue cooking for another 1-2 hours, checking periodically until they reach the desired level of tenderness.
Adjust Thickness (Optional): During the last hour of cooking, if the barbecue beans seem a little thin, you can remove the cover from the slow cooker and turn the heat to high. This will help thicken up the sauce, giving it a rich and hearty consistency.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the barbecue beans are cooked to perfection, serve them hot and enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as cornbread, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 1021.5
Fat Content: 50.8g
Saturated Fat Content: 17.7g
Cholesterol Content: 123.4mg
Sodium Content: 3145.5mg
Carbohydrate Content: 101.8g
Fiber Content: 22.6g
Sugar Content: 20.5g
Protein Content: 46g

Recipe Notes:

Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a smokier flavor, add more liquid smoke. For extra sweetness, increase the amount of brown sugar. Experiment with different types of beans or add in additional vegetables for a twist on this classic recipe.
Storage: Leftover barbecue beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They also freeze well, so you can portion them out and freeze for future meals. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Serve with Garnishes: Before serving, consider garnishing the barbecue beans with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added freshness and flavor.
Double the Batch: This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd or to have leftovers for meal prep. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and cook in a larger slow cooker or Dutch oven.
Kid-Friendly: With its sweet and savory flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. Serve it up for a family dinner or pack it in lunchboxes for a tasty and nutritious meal on the go.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply craving a comforting meal, these Slow Cooker Barbecue Beans are sure to hit the spot. Packed with protein, fiber, and irresistible flavor, they’re a delicious and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. So fire up the slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a hearty, homemade meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat! 🍽️👩‍🍳👨‍🍳