Print

Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Baked Beans Recipe with Bacon and Brown Sugar for Perfect BBQ Sides

slow cooker BBQ baked beans - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy slow cooker BBQ baked beans recipe combines smoky bacon, sweet brown sugar, and classic BBQ flavors for a comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for any barbecue or gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dry navy beans or Great Northern beans (about 400g), rinsed and soaked overnight
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth (about 700 ml)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 2 cups (400g) of dry navy or Great Northern beans under cold water. Soak them overnight in plenty of water (at least twice their volume). If short on time, rinse well and skip soaking but expect longer cooking.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of chopped bacon and cook until crisp and browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. In the same skillet with bacon fat, add 1 chopped medium onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Drain soaked beans and transfer to slow cooker. Add sautéed onions and garlic, cooked bacon, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1 cup BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth.
  5. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper). Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Check beans at the 6-hour mark if cooking on low to ensure there’s enough liquid; add a bit more water if too thick.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add a touch more brown sugar or vinegar if you want it sweeter or tangier. The sauce should be thick and glossy, coating the beans nicely.
  8. Give the beans a gentle stir before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

Soaking beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves texture but is optional. Crisp bacon adds better flavor and texture than soggy bacon. Adjust seasoning gradually, especially salt and vinegar. If sauce is too thin near the end, remove lid to thicken. Beans can be cooked in a heavy pot at 300°F for 2-3 hours if no slow cooker is available. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika and liquid smoke or smoked tempeh. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ baked beans, slow cooker baked beans, baked beans with bacon, brown sugar baked beans, BBQ side dish, easy baked beans, slow cooker recipes

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/easy-slow-cooker-bbq-baked-beans-recipe-with-bacon-and-brown-sugar-for-perfect-bbq-sides/