Baked beans are a classic American dish that has been a staple at barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings for generations. While traditional baked beans are cooked in the oven, using a slow cooker can be a convenient and delicious alternative. In this article, we will explore the benefits of cooking baked beans in a slow cooker and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
The Benefits of Cooking Baked Beans in a Slow Cooker
Cooking baked beans in a slow cooker offers several benefits over traditional oven-baked beans. Here are some of the advantages of using a slow cooker:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are designed to cook food over a long period of time, making them perfect for busy people who don’t have time to constantly monitor their cooking.
- Easy to Use: Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, set the temperature and timer, and let the slow cooker do the work for you.
- Energy Efficient: Slow cookers use less energy than traditional ovens, making them a more energy-efficient option.
- Tender Beans: The low heat and moisture of the slow cooker help to break down the beans, making them tender and creamy.
Choosing the Right Slow Cooker
Not all slow cookers are created equal, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in the quality of your baked beans. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a slow cooker:
- Size: Choose a slow cooker that is large enough to hold all the ingredients, but not so large that it is cumbersome to store.
- Temperature Control: Look for a slow cooker with adjustable temperature control, so you can customize the cooking temperature to your liking.
- Material: Slow cookers can be made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, stainless steel, and plastic. Ceramic slow cookers are a popular choice because they are easy to clean and distribute heat evenly.
Slow Cooker Sizes
Slow cookers come in a range of sizes, from small 1-quart models to large 7-quart models. Here are some common slow cooker sizes and their uses:
| Size | Use |
| —- | — |
| 1-2 quarts | Small meals, dips, and appetizers |
| 3-4 quarts | Medium-sized meals, such as baked beans |
| 5-6 quarts | Large meals, such as roasts and stews |
| 7 quarts | Extra-large meals, such as holiday feasts |
Ingredients and Equipment
To make delicious baked beans in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 pound dried navy beans: Navy beans are a popular choice for baked beans because they are small, white, and mild-flavored.
- 1 pound smoked bacon: Smoked bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to the beans.
- 1 onion: Onions add a sweet, caramelized flavor to the beans.
- 2 cloves garlic: Garlic adds a pungent flavor to the beans.
- 1 cup ketchup: Ketchup adds a sweet, tangy flavor to the beans.
- 1 cup beef broth: Beef broth adds moisture and flavor to the beans.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the beans.
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard: Ground mustard adds a tangy flavor to the beans.
- Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper add flavor to the beans.
- Slow cooker: A slow cooker is necessary for cooking the beans.
- Cutting board: A cutting board is necessary for chopping the onion and garlic.
- Knife: A knife is necessary for chopping the onion and garlic.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are necessary for measuring the ingredients.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before cooking the beans, you will need to prepare the ingredients. Here’s how:
- Sort and rinse the beans: Sort through the beans and remove any debris or stones. Rinse the beans with cold water.
- Chop the onion: Chop the onion into small pieces.
- Mince the garlic: Mince the garlic into small pieces.
- Cut the bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces.
Cooking the Beans
Now that the ingredients are prepared, it’s time to cook the beans. Here’s how:
- Add the ingredients to the slow cooker: Add the beans, onion, garlic, bacon, ketchup, beef broth, brown sugar, ground mustard, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir the ingredients: Stir the ingredients to combine.
- Cook the beans: Cook the beans on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- Check the beans: Check the beans for tenderness. If they are not tender, continue to cook them until they are.
Serving the Beans
Once the beans are cooked, it’s time to serve them. Here are some ways to serve the beans:
- Serve with cornbread: Serve the beans with cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
- Serve with rice: Serve the beans with rice for a simple, comforting meal.
- Serve with grilled meats: Serve the beans with grilled meats, such as burgers or hot dogs, for a summer barbecue.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations for cooking baked beans in a slow cooker:
- Use different types of beans: Use different types of beans, such as kidney beans or pinto beans, for a different flavor and texture.
- Add different spices: Add different spices, such as cumin or chili powder, for a different flavor.
- Use different types of meat: Use different types of meat, such as ham or sausage, for a different flavor.
- Add different vegetables: Add different vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, for added flavor and nutrition.
By following these tips and variations, you can create a delicious and unique batch of baked beans that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
What is the ideal slow cooker size for cooking baked beans?
The ideal slow cooker size for cooking baked beans depends on the number of servings you want to make. A 6-quart slow cooker is a good size for a large batch of baked beans, while a 3-quart slow cooker is better suited for a smaller batch. If you’re planning to cook for a crowd, you may want to consider using a larger slow cooker.
When choosing a slow cooker size, also consider the type of beans you’re using. Navy beans, for example, expand more than other types of beans, so you’ll want to make sure you have enough room in the slow cooker for them to cook properly. A good rule of thumb is to fill the slow cooker no more than 2/3 full to allow for expansion and even cooking.
How long does it take to cook baked beans in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for baked beans in a slow cooker can vary depending on the type of beans, the temperature, and the desired level of doneness. Generally, it takes 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high to cook baked beans in a slow cooker. You can also cook them on low overnight and wake up to perfectly cooked beans in the morning.
It’s also important to note that some slow cookers may cook faster or slower than others, so it’s always a good idea to check the beans periodically to avoid overcooking. You can check for doneness by tasting the beans and checking their texture. If they’re still too firm, cover the slow cooker and cook for another 30 minutes to an hour.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
While it’s possible to use canned beans instead of dried beans, the result may not be as flavorful or textured. Canned beans are already cooked, so they’ll be softer and more prone to breaking apart during cooking. Dried beans, on the other hand, absorb the flavors of the sauce and spices as they cook, resulting in a more robust and complex flavor.
If you do choose to use canned beans, you can still make a delicious batch of baked beans. Simply drain and rinse the canned beans, then add them to the slow cooker with your favorite sauce and spices. Cooking time will be significantly shorter, typically 2-4 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high.
How do I prevent baked beans from becoming too dry?
To prevent baked beans from becoming too dry, it’s essential to maintain a good balance of liquid in the slow cooker. You can do this by using a combination of sauce, broth, and water, and by not overcooking the beans. If you notice the beans starting to dry out, you can add a little more liquid to the slow cooker to keep them moist.
Another way to prevent dryness is to use a slow cooker with a good seal. This will help to trap the moisture and heat inside the slow cooker, ensuring that the beans cook evenly and stay tender. You can also cover the slow cooker with a lid or foil to help retain moisture.
Can I add other ingredients to my baked beans?
One of the best things about baked beans is that you can customize them to your taste by adding your favorite ingredients. Some popular additions include diced onions, bell peppers, and bacon. You can also add other types of beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, to create a unique flavor and texture.
When adding other ingredients, be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. For example, if you add a lot of vegetables, you may need to add more liquid to the slow cooker to prevent the beans from drying out. You can also experiment with different spices and seasonings to create a flavor that’s all your own.
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 store them in the refrigerator, simply transfer the beans to an airtight container and refrigerate. To freeze, transfer the beans to a freezer-safe container or bag and label with the date.
When reheating leftover baked beans, you can simply microwave them or heat them up in the slow cooker. If the beans have dried out a bit, you can add a little more liquid to restore their texture and flavor. You can also use leftover baked beans as a topping for baked potatoes, hot dogs, or other dishes.