Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Crave a hearty and delicious side dish without the hassle of lengthy cooking times? Slow cooker baked beans are the answer.
With a few basic ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a bowl of warm and flavorful beans ready for any occasion.
Say goodbye to hours of stovetop work and hello to a stress-free cooking experience.
Let’s get started!
Origins
Slow cooker baked beans have a long and rich history. Its origins can be traced back to Native American tribes who cooked beans slowly over an open fire. As European settlers arrived in America, they adopted the technique and added ingredients such as molasses, bacon and spices to give the dish more flavor.
Baked beans became a popular dish in New England and eventually spread throughout the country. Nowadays, the dish is enjoyed by people all over the world, with different variations and regional twists.
Learning about the origins of this classic dish gives us an understanding of its cultural heritage.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Baked Beans
-4 cans of navy beans, drained and rinsed
-1 small white onion, diced
-1/2 cup of brown sugar
-1/4 cup of molasses
-1/4 cup of ketchup
-1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
-1 teaspoon of dry mustard
-2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
-1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
-1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
-1 teaspoon of salt
-1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
-3 strips of bacon, diced
Instructions
After gathering the ingredients for slow cooker baked beans, start by rinsing and soaking the navy beans overnight in water. This step is important as it helps soften the beans and reduce the cooking time.
Once the beans have been soaked, drain and rinse them before adding them to the slow cooker.
Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and salt to the slow cooker. These ingredients will give the beans a rich and savory flavor.
Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the beans for 8-10 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have blended together. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Serve the slow cooker baked beans hot and savor their deliciousness alongside your favorite barbecue dishes or as a hearty vegetarian main.
Tips for Cooking
To enhance the flavor and texture of your slow cooker baked beans, consider these helpful tips.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Soak the beans | It’s important to soak dried beans overnight in water to help soften them and reduce cooking time. |
| Use the right beans | To get the best texture, choose small dried beans like navy beans or Great Northern beans. |
| Add flavor | Boost the taste of your baked beans with ingredients like onions, garlic, bacon, or molasses. |
It’s essential to soak the beans before cooking. This helps to soften the beans and decrease the cooking time, so they are tender rather than too firm. Additionally, it’s important to use the right type of beans. Small dried beans such as navy beans or Great Northern beans stay firm and have a creamy texture when cooked. To top it off, don’t be afraid to add extra flavor to your baked beans. Ingredients like onions, garlic, bacon, or molasses can take your dish to the next level.
Final Thoughts
For successful slow cooker baked beans, it’s important to adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker’s power and size.
Don’t forget to soak the beans overnight before cooking as this helps to reduce cooking time and ensures that the beans are tender and evenly cooked.
Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving as slow cooker baked beans tend to absorb flavors as they cook.
Lastly, remember to serve the beans hot for the best taste and enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of this classic dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried Beans in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute canned beans for dried beans in this recipe. Remember to adjust the cooking time, however, as canned beans are already cooked and won’t require as much time.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Slow Cooker Baked Beans in the Refrigerator?
You can keep your leftover slow cooker baked beans in the fridge for a maximum of four days. Once they have cooled off, it’s important to put them in an airtight container. Following these steps will help you store your beans properly.
Can I Substitute Brown Sugar for the Molasses in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for molasses in this recipe. It may result in a different flavor, but the finished dish should still be delicious. Adjust the amount of sugar as desired.
Can I Add Meat, Such as Bacon or Ham, to the Slow Cooker Baked Beans?
Yes, you can add meat like bacon or ham to the slow cooker baked beans. This will give the dish a delicious smoky flavor and make it even more satisfying. Plus, it is an easy way to make the beans more hearty.
Can I Freeze the Slow Cooker Baked Beans for Future Use?
Yes, it is possible to save the slow cooker baked beans for later. Make sure to let them cool entirely before transferring them into a sealed container or freezer bag. They can stay fresh and edible for up to three months.
