Are you looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish to elevate your next barbecue? Look no further! This slow cooker recipe for barbeque beans is the perfect addition to any summer gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner. Tender beans simmered in a rich, smoky barbeque sauce – it's homemade comfort food at its finest! This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights and makes a fantastic healthy meal option too. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup barbeque sauce (your favorite brand!)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step adds depth of flavor to your barbeque beans.
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Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, barbeque sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
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Slow cook to perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve and enjoy: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving. These barbeque beans are delicious served hot as a side dish with grilled meats, pulled pork sandwiches, or alongside your favorite barbecue fare.
Cooking Tips for the Best Barbeque Beans:
- Don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite barbeque sauce: This recipe is a great base, but feel free to use your preferred brand or even make your own from scratch!
- For a spicier kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- For a thicker consistency: Remove about a cup of the bean mixture towards the end of cooking and simmer it uncovered until it reduces slightly. Stir it back into the main pot to thicken the overall sauce.
- Make it ahead: These barbeque beans taste even better the next day! They can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Add some meaty goodness: Throw in some cooked bacon, sausage, or shredded pulled pork for a heartier meal.
- Get creative with your beans: Feel free to substitute or add other types of beans, such as great northern beans or navy beans.
- Add some smoky flavor: Include a few drops of liquid smoke for an extra layer of smokiness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This is an estimate based on a 6-serving recipe.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 8-10 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 8-10 grams
This crock pot barbeque beans recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic side dish. The slow cooking process infuses the beans with incredible flavor, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, and happy cooking!