Busy Day Baked Beans in the Crock Pot

Busy Day Baked Beans in the Crock Pot Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 14 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

Busy Day Baked Beans in the Crock Pot is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for those days when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the classic flavors of baked beans without all the hassle of traditional stovetop cooking.

History

Baked beans have been a staple in American cuisine for centuries, with recipes dating back to the early colonial days. The slow-cooking method used in this recipe allows the flavors of the beans, maple syrup, and bacon to meld together perfectly, creating a dish that is both sweet and savory.

Ingredients

5 cans of navy beans, drained
1 small white onion, peeled and chopped
1.5 cups of maple syrup
2 tbsp of yellow mustard
0.5 tsp of salt
4 slices of thick-cut bacon

How to prepare

In a 5 qt (4.73-liter) crock pot, combine all ingredients except bacon.
Arrange bacon strips on top of the bean mixture, then cover and cook on low for 14 hours.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of this dish, simply omit the bacon and add in some smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor. You can also experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For best results, be sure to drain the navy beans before adding them to the crock pot. This will help prevent the dish from becoming too watery. Additionally, be sure to arrange the bacon strips on top of the bean mixture before cooking to allow the bacon to crisp up and infuse the beans with its smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Busy Day Baked Beans in the Crock Pot as a side dish at your next barbecue or potluck. This dish pairs well with grilled meats, cornbread, and coleslaw.

Cooking Techniques

The slow-cooking method used in this recipe allows the flavors of the beans to develop fully, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. Be sure to cook the beans on low heat for the full 14 hours to achieve the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have maple syrup on hand, you can substitute honey or brown sugar for a similar sweetness. You can also use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon as a substitute for the traditional bacon in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Busy Day Baked Beans in the Crock Pot can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the beans in the crock pot on low heat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Busy Day Baked Beans in the Crock Pot with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. You can also serve the beans in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Busy Day Baked Beans in the Crock Pot pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, ribs, or hot dogs. For a complete meal, serve the beans alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Busy Day Baked Beans in the Crock Pot can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the beans in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick and easy meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Busy Day Baked Beans in the Crock Pot contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Busy Day Baked Beans in the Crock Pot contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Busy Day Baked Beans in the Crock Pot contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Busy Day Baked Beans in the Crock Pot contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Busy Day Baked Beans in the Crock Pot is a good source of iron, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains bacon, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Busy Day Baked Beans in the Crock Pot is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is high in carbohydrates and protein, making it a great option for a hearty meal.

Summary

Busy Day Baked Beans in the Crock Pot is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy the classic flavors of baked beans with little effort.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a busy day, just like any other, and I had a hankering for some comfort food. As I flipped through my old recipe books, I stumbled upon a handwritten note from my dear friend Martha. She had jotted down the ingredients and instructions for Busy Day Baked Beans in the Crock Pot.

I remembered the first time Martha had made this dish for me. It was a chilly autumn evening, and the aroma of the beans cooking in the slow cooker filled her cozy kitchen. The sweet and savory scent was irresistible, and I knew I had to have the recipe for myself.

Martha was always generous with her recipes, sharing her culinary wisdom with anyone who asked. She had learned to make the beans from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through the generations. Martha had made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding her own special touch to make it truly her own.

I followed Martha's instructions carefully, gathering all the ingredients and preparing them just as she had instructed. The recipe called for a combination of navy beans, bacon, onion, ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar, among other things. It was a simple yet hearty dish that promised to warm the soul on even the coldest of days.

As I set the crock pot to low and let the beans simmer away, I couldn't help but think back on all the recipes I had collected over the years. Each one held a special memory, a moment shared with a loved one or a friend. Cooking had always been a way for me to connect with others, to create something delicious that would bring joy to those around me.

As the beans cooked, the familiar scent filled my kitchen, bringing back memories of cozy evenings spent with loved ones. I knew that Martha's recipe would soon become a staple in my own culinary repertoire, a dish that I would pass down to future generations.

When the beans were finally ready, I scooped a generous portion into a bowl and took a bite. The flavors were rich and complex, the beans tender and flavorful. It was comfort food at its finest, a dish that warmed me from the inside out.

As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the gift of Martha's recipe. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories and connections. And for that, I would always be thankful.

So now, whenever I make Busy Day Baked Beans in the Crock Pot, I think of Martha and the special bond we shared over a shared love of good food. And I know that her recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing a meal with those we love.