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Easy BBQ Baked Beans Slow Cooker Recipe Perfect for July 4th Celebration

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A simple, no-fuss slow cooker recipe for BBQ baked beans that delivers rich, smoky, and tender beans perfect for summer cookouts and July 4th celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups canned navy beans (about 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (recommend Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Optional: 4 slices crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the canned navy beans thoroughly. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. If using bacon, cook slices in a skillet until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
  2. In your slow cooker, add the beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, BBQ sauce, tomato sauce, and brown sugar. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to combine.
  3. Stir in the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well. If adding bacon, fold it in now or save for garnish.
  4. Set your slow cooker to low. Cover and cook for 4 to 6 hours. Stir once or twice if possible, but it’s forgiving if you don’t.
  5. Before serving, taste your beans and adjust salt or add a splash of vinegar if desired. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of water or broth.
  6. Spoon into a serving dish and garnish with extra bacon or freshly chopped parsley if desired. Let rest for 15 minutes off heat for best flavor.

Notes

Rinse canned beans to remove excess starch and sodium to prevent gluey or overly salty sauce. Cook on low for best flavor and texture. If short on time, cook on high for 2 hours then switch to low. Add bacon separately to keep it crispy. Adjust seasoning at the end. Sauce can be thickened by simmering uncovered or adding a cornstarch slurry.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ baked beans, slow cooker beans, easy baked beans, July 4th recipe, summer cookout side, slow cooker BBQ, baked beans recipe

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/easy-bbq-baked-beans-slow-cooker-recipe-perfect-for-july-4th-celebration/