Baked beans are a classic American dish that is perfect for barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. While traditional baked beans are cooked in the oven, using a slow cooker is a great way to prepare this dish with minimal effort and time. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using a slow cooker to make baked beans and provide a simple recipe to get you started.
The Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker to make baked beans offers several benefits. Here are a few:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are designed to cook food over a long period of time, making them perfect for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
- Easy to Use: Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, set the temperature and cooking time, and let the slow cooker do the work for you.
- Tender Beans: Slow cookers are great for cooking beans, as they can cook them low and slow, making them tender and flavorful.
- Less Mess: Slow cookers are a great way to cook baked beans without making a mess in the kitchen. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it cook.
A Simple Slow Cooker Baked Beans Recipe
Here is a simple recipe for slow cooker baked beans that serves 4-6 people:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 1 pound smoked bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Add the soaked and drained navy beans, smoked bacon, chopped onions, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, beef broth, brown sugar, ground mustard, and ground cumin.
- Pour the ketchup mixture over the beans and bacon in the slow cooker.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
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: Using high-quality ingredients, such as smoked bacon and fresh onions, will make a big difference in the flavor of your baked beans.
- Soak the Beans: Soaking the beans overnight will help them cook faster and more evenly.
- Don’t Overcook: Baked beans can become mushy if they are overcooked. Check the beans after 8 hours and cook for an additional 30 minutes if they are not tender.
- Add Aromatics: Adding aromatics, such as onions and garlic, will add depth and flavor to your baked beans.
Variations on the Recipe
Here are a few variations on the recipe:
- Add Some Heat: If you like spicy food, you can add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the ketchup mixture.
- Use Different Types of Beans: You can use different types of beans, such as kidney beans or pinto beans, to change up the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Add Some Smokiness: You can add some liquid smoke to the ketchup mixture to give the beans a smoky flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making slow cooker baked beans:
- Not Soaking the Beans: Not soaking the beans can result in beans that are hard and undercooked.
- Overcooking the Beans: Overcooking the beans can result in beans that are mushy and unappetizing.
- Not Seasoning the Beans: Not seasoning the beans can result in beans that are bland and flavorless.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few serving suggestions for slow cooker baked beans:
- Serve with Grilled Meats: Slow cooker baked beans are a great side dish for grilled meats, such as burgers and hot dogs.
- Serve with Cornbread: Slow cooker baked beans are a great match for cornbread, a classic American bread.
- Serve as a Main Dish: Slow cooker baked beans can be served as a main dish, topped with some crusty bread or crackers.
Storing and Reheating
Here are a few tips for storing and reheating slow cooker baked beans:
- Store in the Refrigerator: Slow cooker baked beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the Slow Cooker: Slow cooker baked beans can be reheated in the slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours.
- Reheat in the Oven: Slow cooker baked beans can be reheated in the oven at 250°F for 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Slow cooker baked beans are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. By following the simple recipe and tips outlined in this article, you can make a batch of slow cooker baked beans that are sure to please. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, slow cooker baked beans are a great option for a quick and easy meal.
What is the best type of beans to use for slow cooker baked beans?
The best type of beans to use for slow cooker baked beans is navy beans or haricot beans. These types of beans are small, white, and have a mild flavor that pairs well with the sweet and tangy flavors of the sauce. They also hold their shape well after cooking, which makes them ideal for baked beans.
You can also use other types of beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans, but navy beans are the most traditional and popular choice. If you can’t find navy beans, you can also use a combination of different types of beans to create a unique flavor and texture.
How long does it take to cook slow cooker baked beans?
The cooking time for slow cooker baked beans can vary depending on the type of slow cooker you use and the desired level of doneness. Generally, it takes around 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat to cook the beans until they are tender and the sauce has thickened.
It’s also important to note that the beans will continue to cook and thicken after you turn off the slow cooker, so it’s best to check on them after 6 hours and adjust the seasoning and cooking time as needed. You can also cook the beans on low heat overnight and wake up to a delicious and ready-to-eat breakfast.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans instead of dried beans, but the flavor and texture may not be the same. Canned beans are pre-cooked and may be softer and more prone to breaking apart than dried beans. They also may contain added salt and preservatives that can affect the flavor of the dish.
If you do choose to use canned beans, make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding them to the slow cooker. You can also reduce the cooking time to around 2-3 hours on low heat or 1-2 hours on high heat, as the beans are already pre-cooked.
How do I prevent the beans from becoming too dry or mushy?
To prevent the beans from becoming too dry or mushy, make sure to add enough liquid to the slow cooker and stir the beans occasionally. You can also add a little bit of acidity, such as vinegar or tomato paste, to help break down the beans and create a creamy sauce.
It’s also important to not overcook the beans, as this can cause them to become mushy and unappetizing. Check on the beans regularly and adjust the cooking time as needed. If the beans are too dry, you can add a little bit of water or broth to the slow cooker. If they are too mushy, you can try to thicken the sauce with a little bit of cornstarch or flour.
Can I add other ingredients to the slow cooker baked beans?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the slow cooker baked beans to create a unique flavor and texture. Some popular additions include diced onions, bell peppers, and bacon. You can also add a little bit of brown sugar or honey to balance out the flavors.
Other ingredients you can try adding include diced ham, ground beef, or sausage. You can also add a little bit of smoked paprika or chipotle peppers to give the beans a smoky flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasoning as needed to accommodate the added ingredients.
How do I store and reheat slow cooker baked beans?
Slow cooker baked beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To store, let the beans cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container. To reheat, simply microwave the beans or heat them up in a saucepan on the stovetop.
You can also reheat the beans in the slow cooker by adding a little bit of water or broth and cooking on low heat for about 30 minutes. This is a great way to reheat the beans without drying them out or losing their flavor.
Can I make slow cooker baked beans in a Dutch oven or oven?
Yes, you can make slow cooker baked beans in a Dutch oven or oven, but the cooking time and method will be different. To make in a Dutch oven, brown the bacon and cook the onions in the pot, then add the beans and sauce and simmer on low heat for about 6-8 hours.
To make in the oven, brown the bacon and cook the onions in a skillet, then transfer everything to a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake at 250°F for about 6-8 hours. You can also make the beans in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, which can reduce the cooking time to about 30-60 minutes.