Slow Cooker Baked Beans

Slow Cooker Baked Beans Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 22-24 hours | Servings: 10-12

Introduction

Slow Cooker Baked Beans are a classic comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it a great option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The beans are cooked low and slow in a flavorful mixture of salt pork, onions, molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard, resulting in a rich and savory dish that is sure to please a crowd.

History

Baked beans have been a staple in American cuisine for centuries, with recipes dating back to the early colonial period. Originally cooked in brick ovens, baked beans were a popular dish due to their affordability and versatility. Over time, the recipe evolved to include ingredients such as molasses, ketchup, and brown sugar, giving the beans a sweet and tangy flavor profile. Today, baked beans are enjoyed as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, and potlucks across the country.

Ingredients

3 lb (1.36 kg) navy beans
4 qt (3.78 liters) water
1 lb (454 g) salt pork, cut into 1-inch cubes
6 tsp salt
1 cup chopped white onion
0.5 cup dark molasses
1 and a half cups ketchup
0.5 cup light brown sugar
4 tsp dry mustard

How to prepare

Wash the beans.
Place the beans in a slow cooker.
Add water, salt pork, salt, and onion.
Mix well so that the beans are covered with the pork.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 14-16 hours or until the beans are tender.
Once the beans are tender, drain the liquid from the beans, reserving 4 cups.
Combine the reserved liquid, molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
Add the mixture to the beans and stir well.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for an additional 6-8 hours.

Variations

Vegetarian: Omit the salt pork and use vegetable broth instead of water for a meat-free version of the recipe.
Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the beans for a kick of heat.
Maple: Substitute maple syrup for the molasses for a sweeter flavor profile.
Smoky: Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the beans for a smoky flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the beans overnight before cooking can help reduce cooking time and improve texture.

- For a smokier flavor, you can add a few strips of cooked bacon or smoked ham hock to the beans.

- Adjust the sweetness of the beans by adding more or less brown sugar to suit your taste preferences.

- Stir the beans occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Baked Beans are a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Serve them alongside grilled meats, such as ribs or chicken, for a classic barbecue meal. They also make a great side dish for burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches. For a vegetarian option, serve the beans with cornbread and a side salad for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the beans allows them to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients and become tender and creamy. This method also helps to develop a rich and complex flavor profile that is perfect for baked beans.

Ingredient Substitutions

Navy beans can be substituted with great northern beans or pinto beans.

- Salt pork can be replaced with bacon or ham hock.

- Dark molasses can be swapped with maple syrup or honey.

- Ketchup can be substituted with tomato sauce or barbecue sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

Slow Cooker Baked Beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the beans in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving. You can also freeze the beans in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Slow Cooker Baked Beans in a large serving dish garnished with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. You can also top the beans with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for added texture. For a rustic presentation, serve the beans in individual ramekins or mason jars.

Pairing Recommendations

Slow Cooker Baked Beans pair well with a variety of beverages, including iced tea, lemonade, or beer. For a complete meal, serve the beans with coleslaw, potato salad, or macaroni and cheese. Cornbread or biscuits are also great accompaniments to soak up the flavorful sauce from the beans.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Slow Cooker Baked Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat the beans in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 52g

- Dietary Fiber: 12g

- Sugars: 16g

Fats

- Total Fat: 6g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 2%

- Vitamin C: 4%

- Calcium: 10%

- Iron: 20%

Alergens

Contains: Pork

Summary

Slow Cooker Baked Beans are a good source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. However, they are high in carbohydrates and fats, so it is best to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Slow Cooker Baked Beans are a classic comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. This easy and flavorful recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich and savory beans as a side dish or main course, and savor the delicious flavors of this timeless dish.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had been browsing through a magazine at the local library when I stumbled upon a mouthwatering picture of slow cooker baked beans. The rich, caramelized beans looked so warm and comforting, I just knew I had to learn how to make them.

I quickly scribbled down the ingredients and instructions, eager to try my hand at this new dish. As soon as I got home, I gathered up all the necessary ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. I soaked the beans overnight, chopped up some onions and bacon, and mixed together the perfect blend of spices and molasses.

As the beans simmered away in the slow cooker, filling the house with their savory aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. This recipe was different from anything I had ever made before, and I was excited to see how it would turn out.

Hours later, when the beans were finally done cooking, I scooped up a generous spoonful and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - sweet, smoky, and perfectly balanced. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

Over the years, I've made these slow cooker baked beans countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. But the basic foundation remains the same - tender beans, savory bacon, and a rich, sticky sauce that clings to every bite.

I've shared this recipe with friends, family, and neighbors, and it always receives rave reviews. There's just something about these baked beans that brings people together, whether it's at a summer barbecue, a potluck dinner, or a cozy night at home.

One of my favorite memories involving this recipe took place a few years ago, when my granddaughter Emily came to visit for the weekend. She had always been curious about my cooking and loved to help out in the kitchen whenever she could.

I decided to teach her how to make my famous slow cooker baked beans, and she was thrilled at the opportunity. Together, we soaked the beans, chopped the onions, and mixed up the sauce, all the while chatting and laughing and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

As the beans cooked away in the slow cooker, Emily and I sat down at the kitchen table, savoring the delicious aroma that filled the room. When the beans were finally done, we served ourselves heaping portions and dug in, relishing every bite.

Emily's eyes lit up as she took her first taste. "These are amazing, Grandma!" she exclaimed, her face beaming with pride. I couldn't help but smile, knowing that I had passed down a piece of my culinary legacy to the next generation.

To this day, whenever Emily comes to visit, she always requests that we make my slow cooker baked beans together. It has become our special tradition, a way for us to bond and connect over a shared love of good food and good company.

I'm grateful for the day I stumbled upon that recipe in the magazine all those years ago. It has brought me so much joy and fulfillment, not just in the kitchen, but in the memories I've created with those I love.

And as I sit here now, looking back on a lifetime of cooking and sharing recipes, I can't help but feel grateful for all the knowledge and experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today. Cooking is more than just a skill - it's a way of connecting with others, creating memories, and passing down traditions from one generation to the next.

So the next time you find yourself drawn to a new recipe, I encourage you to give it a try. You never know what delicious adventures await you in the kitchen. Happy cooking!