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Low & Slow BBQ Baked Beans

Easy Slow Cooker Barbecue Beans: Your Go-To Recipe for Effortless Summer Gatherings

Happy Friday, everyone! As the weekend officially kicks off, our family is excitedly packing up for a much-anticipated getaway to beautiful Cocoa Beach. This trip isn’t just a chance to escape the everyday; it’s also a special celebration for Father’s Day! I’m truly looking forward to some much-needed relaxation by the ocean, watching the kids splash in the water and build sandcastles all day long. There’s nothing quite like the beach for a natural, expansive playground, offering endless entertainment and peace for the adults.

While I genuinely love spending time in the kitchen and creating delicious meals, I must admit I am wholeheartedly embracing this upcoming break from cooking. Lately, I’ve been feeling a bit burnt out, struggling to find the motivation to prepare elaborate dishes. This feeling is likely intensified by the near-100-degree weather we’ve been experiencing – standing over a hot stove is the last thing anyone wants to do in such heat! My imagination is already running wild with thoughts of being waited on and exploring some of the local beachside restaurants that have come highly recommended. Seafood is definitely on my mind, and I plan to indulge in plenty of it this weekend. I’m hoping to capture some great photos and share a review of our culinary adventures, but with two energetic little ones in tow, dining out is an adventure in itself, so I won’t make any firm promises!

(Happy Father’s Day Daddy! Sending all our love.)

Before I fully unplug for the weekend, I wanted to share an incredibly easy and incredibly flavorful slow cooker recipe for barbecue beans. I developed this recipe a couple of weekends ago, and it was an instant hit with everyone. Beans prepared this way are truly the quintessential summer side dish – versatile, satisfying, and packed with that irresistible sweet and smoky flavor. Imagine serving them alongside perfectly grilled BBQ chicken and a medley of fresh, seasonal vegetables. You’ve just created a complete, mouth-watering meal with minimal fuss, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of family and friends, much like I plan to do on my beach getaway.

The beauty of this slow cooker recipe lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it achieves. It’s the kind of dish that practically cooks itself, allowing you to focus on other aspects of entertaining or simply relaxing. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a picnic, or just need a comforting side for a weeknight dinner, these slow cooker barbecue beans are a reliable crowd-pleaser. They’re a fantastic alternative to traditional baked beans, offering a homemade taste with a fraction of the effort, making them perfect for those busy summer days when you’d rather be outside enjoying the sunshine than laboring over a hot stove.

Print Recipe

Homemade Slow Cooker Barbecue Beans with Smoked Sausage

Slow Cooker Barbecue Beans in a bowl

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, thoroughly drained but not rinsed. Pinto beans offer a creamy texture that perfectly absorbs the rich barbecue flavors.
  • 1 large can (25 ounces) cannellini beans, thoroughly drained but not rinsed. Also known as white kidney beans, these add a tender bite and visual contrast to the dish.
  • 2 links andouille chicken sausage, diced into bite-sized pieces. Andouille sausage brings a fantastic smoky and slightly spicy kick. (You can substitute with 1/2 package of turkey smoked sausage, or even a classic pork smoked sausage for a different flavor profile).
  • 1/2 cup good quality ketchup. This forms the sweet and tangy base of our barbecue sauce.
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard. Adds a zesty tang that balances the sweetness.
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup. For natural sweetness and a hint of caramelization. Brown sugar or molasses can be used as alternatives for a deeper, richer flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Essential for adding a savory, umami depth to the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder. Provides a warm, earthy spice without being overly hot.
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika. This is key for enhancing the smoky essence of the beans, complementing the sausage beautifully.
  • Small pinch of salt and a generous pinch of fresh ground black pepper, to taste. Adjust these to your preference, especially after tasting the combined sauce.

Directions:

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Begin by dicing your andouille chicken sausage into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Drain the pinto and cannellini beans completely, but do not rinse them, as we want to retain some of their natural starchy goodness to help thicken the sauce.
  2. Combine All: In your slow cooker, combine the drained pinto beans, cannellini beans, and diced sausage. Add the ketchup, mustard, pure maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and fresh ground pepper. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined and the beans are evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
  3. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on HIGH for 3-5 hours, or alternatively, cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and how thick you prefer your sauce. Stir occasionally, if possible, especially during the last hour, to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. The beans are ready when the sauce has thickened, the flavors have melded beautifully, and the sausage is tender.
  4. Serve: Once cooked, give the beans one final stir. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. These slow cooker barbecue beans are best served warm.

Tips for Perfect Barbecue Beans:

  • Consistency Control: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove about a cup of beans, mash them with a fork, and then stir them back into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. This natural starch will help to thicken the sauce without needing any artificial thickeners.
  • Spice Level: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture. If you prefer less heat, adjust the amount of chili powder.
  • Make Ahead: These beans are an excellent make-ahead dish! Their flavors often deepen and improve overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They reheat beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Vegetarian Option: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the sausage. You can add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or even some liquid smoke for an enhanced smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

These slow cooker barbecue beans are incredibly versatile and can elevate almost any meal. They are, of course, a quintessential side dish for any backyard barbecue. Imagine them paired with smoky grilled ribs, juicy barbecue chicken, tender pulled pork sandwiches, or classic hot dogs and hamburgers. The sweet and savory profile of the beans complements grilled meats perfectly, cutting through richness and adding a delightful complexity. Beyond the grill, they also make a fantastic addition to potlucks, family gatherings, or game day spreads. Serve them alongside cornbread, a fresh coleslaw, or a hearty potato salad for a complete and satisfying meal. You can even get creative and use them as a topping for baked potatoes, a flavorful addition to breakfast scrambles, or mixed into a hearty chili. Their rich, comforting flavor makes them a year-round favorite, but they truly shine during the warmer months.

Why Slow Cooker Barbecue Beans are a Summer Staple:

In the heat of summer, the last thing anyone wants is a hot kitchen. This is where the slow cooker becomes your best friend. It allows you to create incredibly flavorful and satisfying dishes without heating up your home. These barbecue beans are a prime example: all the ingredients go in, and hours later, you have a rich, aromatic side dish ready to go. This “set it and forget it” method is perfect for busy families, freeing up time for other activities, like enjoying a beach trip or simply relaxing outdoors. Furthermore, homemade barbecue beans offer a superior flavor compared to canned varieties, giving you full control over the ingredients and seasoning. The slow cooking process allows the various spices, sweet maple syrup, and savory Worcestershire to meld together seamlessly, creating a depth of flavor that is truly irresistible. It’s comfort food that works for any occasion, proving that delicious meals don’t always require hours of active cooking.





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I hope you give this easy slow cooker barbecue beans recipe a try! It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with the magic of slow cooking, can yield a dish that’s rich in flavor and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion like Father’s Day, hosting a casual get-together, or simply looking for a delicious and effortless meal for your family, these beans are sure to impress. Enjoy your cooking, your family, and your precious moments, just as I plan to enjoy mine this weekend. Happy cooking and happy relaxing!