Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans

BBQ Baked Beans Recipe from USA | Ham, Onion, BBQ Sauce, and More

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Cooking time: 12 hours | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Baked beans are a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. This recipe for Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans takes the traditional baked beans recipe to the next level by adding a smoky BBQ flavor. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender and delicious.

History

Baked beans have been a staple in American cuisine for centuries. The dish is believed to have originated in Native American cuisine, where beans were cooked slowly over a fire with added ingredients like meat, molasses, and spices. The dish became popular in colonial America and has since become a beloved comfort food enjoyed at barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

1 (20 oz) package dried Cajun 15-bean soup mix (like Hurst's HamBeen's Cajun 15-bean soup mix)
1 (12 oz) package diced cooked ham (like Hormel Diced Cooked ham)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup chopped onion
1 (18 oz) bottle of hickory smoke bbq sauce (like KC Masterpiece Hickory bbq sauce)
0.25 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
0.25 cup molasses
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp red pepper (cayenne)

How to prepare

Reserve the spice packet in the soup mix for other uses.
Place the beans in a large glass bowl and add enough water to cover them by 2 inches.
Microwave on high for 15 minutes, then cover and let them stand for 1 hour. Drain the beans.
In a 4 qt (3.78 liter) slow cooker, combine the beans, ham, broth, and onion.
Combine the BBQ sauce and the remaining 4 ingredients, then stir them into the bean mixture.
Cover and cook on low for 12 hours or until the beans are tender and the sauce has slightly thickened.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or sausage for a meatier version of the dish.
Use different varieties of beans, such as navy beans or black beans, for a unique flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to soak the beans before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.

- Use a high-quality BBQ sauce to add depth of flavor to the dish.

- Stir the beans occasionally while cooking to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, sugar, or spices as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans are perfect for serving at barbecues, picnics, or as a side dish for grilled meats. They pair well with coleslaw, cornbread, and potato salad.

Cooking Techniques

The slow cooker method allows the flavors of the beans to develop slowly and creates a tender, flavorful dish. Be sure to soak the beans before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use maple syrup or honey in place of molasses.

- Substitute smoked paprika for the cayenne pepper for a milder flavor.

- Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans in a decorative serving dish garnished with chopped parsley or green onions. For a rustic presentation, serve the beans in individual ramekins.

Pairing Recommendations

Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans pair well with grilled meats such as ribs, chicken, or brisket. They also complement classic barbecue sides like cornbread, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans contains approximately 3 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans are a good source of iron, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and may contain gluten if the BBQ sauce contains wheat ingredients.

Summary

Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans are a nutritious and delicious side dish that is high in protein and fiber. They are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals and are relatively low in fat and calories.

Summary

Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans are a delicious and nutritious side dish that is perfect for serving at barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender, flavorful dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans. It was a cool autumn day, and I had just returned from a visit to my dear friend Margaret's house. Margaret was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and that day she had served us a mouthwatering dish of baked beans that had everyone at the table begging for the recipe.

As she handed me a small piece of paper with the ingredients and instructions written in her elegant handwriting, I couldn't believe how simple it seemed. Just a few cans of beans, some barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and a few other ingredients thrown into a crockpot and left to simmer for hours. Could it really be that easy to make such a delectable dish?

I wasted no time in trying out the recipe for myself. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and carefully followed Margaret's instructions. As the beans simmered away in the crockpot, filling the house with a mouthwatering aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. I had made something delicious, and it was all thanks to Margaret's recipe.

From that day on, Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans became a staple in my own recipe collection. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on a cozy Sunday afternoon. Each time I made them, I would think of Margaret and the wonderful meal she had shared with me that fateful day.

But my journey with this recipe didn't end there. Over the years, I began to experiment with the ingredients, adding a little bit of this and a little bit of that to make the dish truly my own. I found that a splash of Worcestershire sauce added a rich depth of flavor, while a sprinkle of smoked paprika gave the beans a subtle smokiness that was simply irresistible.

As I shared my updated version of the recipe with friends and family, they marveled at how delicious it was. Some even asked for the recipe, and I was more than happy to pass it along, just as Margaret had done for me all those years ago.

As time went on, I found myself adding new twists to the recipe, each one inspired by a different person or place. From a hint of maple syrup picked up on a trip to Vermont to a touch of chipotle pepper learned from a friend in Texas, each addition brought a new and exciting flavor to the dish.

And so, my recipe for Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans continued to evolve, reflecting the many people and places that had influenced my cooking over the years. It became a true labor of love, a dish that brought joy and comfort to all who tasted it.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that this recipe has taken me on, I can't help but feel grateful for the many wonderful experiences and connections it has brought into my life. And as I stir a pot of bubbling beans on the stove, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that, I know that the tradition of sharing delicious food and recipes will continue to be a cherished part of my family for generations to come.