Slow cooker Boston baked beans are a classic comfort food that combines tender beans with savory and sweet flavors for a hearty and satisfying dish. This recipe allows you to enjoy the rich taste of traditional baked beans with minimal effort, thanks to the convenience of a slow cooker. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a potluck dinner, or simply craving a comforting meal, these slow cooker Boston baked beans are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 8-10 hours
- Total time: 8 hours 15 minutes – 10 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (about 450g) dry navy beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) molasses
- 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups (960ml) water or vegetable broth
- 4 slices bacon, diced (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beans:
- Rinse the dry navy beans under cold water and remove any debris or stones.
- Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse the soaked beans before using.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
- In the slow cooker, combine the soaked navy beans, finely chopped onion, molasses, maple syrup, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- If using bacon, add the diced bacon to the slow cooker and stir to distribute it evenly among the beans.
3. Cook:
- Pour the water or vegetable broth over the bean mixture in the slow cooker, ensuring that the beans are fully submerged.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the Boston baked beans on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce is thick and flavorful. Stir occasionally during cooking, if possible.
4. Serve:
- Once the Boston baked beans are cooked to your desired consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the beans hot as a side dish or main course, garnished with additional chopped onions or fresh parsley, if desired.
Cooking Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- To add a smoky flavor to the beans, you can use smoked salt or add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- Leftover Boston baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Classic Comfort Food: Slow cooker Boston baked beans offer all the rich flavors and comforting goodness of traditional baked beans with minimal effort.
- Versatile Dish: These beans can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats, as a topping for baked potatoes or hot dogs, or even as a main course with crusty bread.
- Make-Ahead Option: This recipe is perfect for meal prep or batch cooking, as the leftovers can be enjoyed throughout the week or frozen for future use.
Conclusion:
Slow cooker Boston baked beans are a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their savory and sweet flavors, tender beans, and hearty texture, these beans are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Prepare a batch today in your slow cooker and enjoy the rich taste of homemade Boston baked beans with minimal effort and maximum flavor!