Baked beans are a staple in many cuisines, particularly in American and British cooking. They’re a popular side dish that’s often served at barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. Traditionally, baked beans are cooked in the oven, but with the rise of slow cookers, it’s now possible to make delicious baked beans with minimal effort and time. In this article, we’ll explore the world of slow cooker baked beans and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to make them.
The Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker for Baked Beans
Using a slow cooker for baked beans offers several benefits. Here are a few:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are designed to cook food over a long period, making them perfect for busy people who don’t have time to monitor their cooking.
- Easy to use: Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker, set the timer, and let the cooker do the work for you.
- Energy efficient: Slow cookers use less energy than traditional ovens, making them a cost-effective option for cooking.
- Tender beans: The low heat and moisture in a slow cooker help to break down the beans, making them tender and flavorful.
Basic Ingredients for Slow Cooker Baked Beans
While you can customize your baked beans to suit your taste, here are the basic ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 1 pound smoked bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
You can customize your baked beans by adding other ingredients. Here are a few options:
- Bourbon or rum: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to give your beans a depth of flavor.
- Bell peppers: Dice up some bell peppers and add them to the pot for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Jalapenos: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapenos to the pot.
- Tomatoes: Crush up some canned tomatoes and add them to the pot for extra flavor.
Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Making slow cooker baked beans is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Brown the bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s browned and crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside.
- Soften the onion: In the same skillet, cook the onion until it’s softened and translucent.
- Add the garlic: Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the beans and bacon: Add the soaked and drained beans, browned bacon, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Add the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, beef broth, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the beans and bacon.
- Cook the beans: Cook the beans on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- Serve: Serve the beans hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or scallions.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Here are a few tips to help you make the best slow cooker baked beans:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, such as smoked bacon and fresh herbs, to give your beans the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the beans: Cook the beans until they’re tender, but still hold their shape. Overcooking can make the beans mushy and unappetizing.
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make your beans unique.
Conclusion
Slow cooker baked beans are a delicious and convenient twist on a classic recipe. With their rich, smoky flavor and tender texture, they’re perfect for barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. By following the instructions and tips outlined in this article, you can make delicious slow cooker baked beans that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
What is the benefit of using a slow cooker for baked beans?
Using a slow cooker for baked beans offers several benefits. It allows for hands-off cooking, which means you can prepare the ingredients, add them to the slow cooker, and let it do the work while you attend to other tasks. This is especially convenient for busy days or when you’re hosting a large gathering.
Additionally, slow cookers distribute heat evenly, ensuring that the beans are cooked consistently throughout. This results in tender, flavorful beans that are infused with the rich flavors of the sauce. The low heat also helps to break down the connective tissues in the beans, making them tender and creamy.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
While it’s possible to use canned beans, it’s not recommended for this recipe. Canned beans are pre-cooked and may become mushy or overcooked during the slow cooking process. Dried beans, on the other hand, absorb the flavors of the sauce and retain their texture, resulting in a more authentic baked bean experience.
Using dried beans also allows you to control the amount of sodium and added preservatives that go into your dish. Simply soak the dried beans overnight, drain, and rinse them before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step is worth the effort for the superior flavor and texture it provides.
How do I prevent the beans from becoming too dry?
To prevent the beans from becoming too dry, make sure to add enough liquid to the slow cooker. The recipe calls for a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and beef broth, which provides a rich, saucy base for the beans. You can also add a little more broth or water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
It’s also essential to cook the beans on low heat for an extended period. This allows the beans to absorb the flavors and liquid slowly, resulting in tender, creamy beans. If you’re concerned about dryness, you can check the beans periodically and adjust the liquid levels as needed.
Can I customize the recipe to suit my taste preferences?
This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter bean, you can add more brown sugar or honey. For a smokier flavor, you can add a little liquid smoke or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to create a unique flavor profile. Some options include ground mustard, ground cumin, or smoked paprika. You can also add diced onions, bell peppers, or bacon to add texture and flavor to the dish.
How do I store leftover baked beans?
Leftover baked beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To refrigerate, let the beans cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. To freeze, let the beans cool, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
When reheating, simply thaw the frozen beans overnight in the refrigerator or reheat them in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick and easy snack or side dish.
Can I make this recipe in a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot?
While this recipe is designed for a slow cooker, you can adapt it for a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot. Simply brown the bacon and cook the onions in the pot, then add the remaining ingredients and cover the pot.
Transfer the pot to the oven and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. You can also cook the beans on the stovetop on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 hours.
Is this recipe suitable for a large gathering or event?
This recipe is perfect for a large gathering or event, as it makes a generous amount of baked beans that can be served to a crowd. The slow cooker is ideal for feeding a large group, as it allows you to cook the beans hands-free while you attend to other tasks.
You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd, and the beans can be kept warm in the slow cooker for several hours. This makes it an excellent option for potlucks, barbecues, or other outdoor events where a hearty, comforting side dish is needed.