Why You’ll Love This Recipe
BBQ Baked Beans are a perfect summer classic, and making them in the Crockpot takes all the hassle out of cooking. This recipe combines hearty beans with a rich, smoky, and sweet BBQ sauce, creating a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, burgers, or even a simple summer picnic. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making this dish irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply craving a comforting side dish, these Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
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3 cans (15 oz each) of white beans (such as great northern, navy, or butter beans), drained and rinsed
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1 medium onion, diced
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1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
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1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (for consistency)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by draining and rinsing the beans in a colander. into small pie -
Mix the Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth. -
Add to Crockpot:
In your Crockpot, layer the rinsed beans, diced onion, . Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the top of the beans and stir everything together to evenly coat. -
Add Liquid:
Pour in the water or chicken broth to help the beans cook evenly. Stir again to combine. -
Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Stir once or twice during the cooking process to ensure even cooking. -
Serve:
Once the beans are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, give them a final stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust with extra salt, pepper, or BBQ sauce as needed. Serve warm as a side dish and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8-10
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 4-6 hours (on low)
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Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes
Variations
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Spicy BBQ Beans: Add a bit of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.
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Sweet & Smoky Beans: Increase the amount of brown sugar and smoked paprika for a sweeter, smokier flavor.
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Vegetarian Version: substitute with vegetarian
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Add Bell Peppers: For an extra layer of flavor, toss in some diced bell peppers along with the onions for a colorful touch.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover BBQ baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
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Freezing: These beans freeze well! Let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also add a little extra water or BBQ sauce if they’ve thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of beans?
Yes! You can use a mix of beans like kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans. The key is to use beans that hold their shape well during the slow-cooking process.
2. How can I make these beans spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.
3. Can I make these beans in the oven instead of the Crockpot?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer the ingredients into an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce to make this recipe even easier. Just be sure to taste the sauce before cooking and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. Can I make these BBQ baked beans ahead of time?
Yes, these beans can be made a day or two ahead of time. They actually taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
6. Can I add ground meat to the beans?
Yes, you can add cooked ground beef, ground turkey, or to make the beans a heartier dish. Just brown the meat first and stir it in with the beans before cooking.
7. Are these BBQ beans gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce you use are gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels for hidden gluten ingredients.
8. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If the beans are too watery, you can let them cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, mash a few of the beans to help thicken the sauce.
9. How do I make these beans more savory?
Add more Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce, or some smoked salt to deepen the savory flavors.
10. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your Crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients. If needed, increase the cooking time by an hour.
Conclusion
Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans are a perfect dish for any summer BBQ, picnic, or family gathering. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and meld together, creating a savory, sweet, and smoky dish that everyone will love. With minimal prep time and the convenience of the Crockpot, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Pair it with your favorite grilled meats, enjoy it as a stand-alone dish, or serve it alongside other summer favorites—these beans will always be a hit!
BBQ Baked Beans – Crockpot Summer Classic
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Servings: 8-10
- Category: Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans are the ultimate summer classic, offering a rich, smoky, and sweet flavor that’s perfect for any BBQ, picnic, or family gathering. Made with hearty beans, a flavorful BBQ sauce, and , this slow-cooked dish is easy to make and incredibly delicious. Let the Crockpot do the work while you enjoy a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or burgers. These BBQ baked beans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next event!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
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3 cans (15 oz each) white beans (such as great northern, navy, or butter beans), drained and rinsed
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1 medium onion, diced
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1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
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1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
-
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (for consistency)
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Drain and rinse the beans in a colander.
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Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth.
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Add to Crockpot: In your Crockpot, layer the beans, diced onion, Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the top and stir to coat evenly.
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Add Liquid: Pour in water or chicken broth to help the beans cook evenly. Stir again to combine.
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Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until beans are tender and the sauce thickens. Stir once or twice during cooking for even cooking.
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Serve: Once done, stir the beans again and taste for seasoning. Adjust with extra salt, pepper, or BBQ sauce if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.Add extra brown sugar or smoked paprika for a sweeter, smokier flavor.
