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Slow Cooker BBQ Baked Beans Recipe Easy Maple Bacon Beans for Cozy Meals

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A comforting slow cooker baked beans recipe featuring smoky hardwood bacon and a subtle sweetness from pure maple syrup, perfect for cozy meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) dry navy beans, soaked overnight
  • 4 cups (950ml) water
  • 6 slices thick-cut hardwood-smoked bacon, chopped
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) smoky BBQ sauce
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (200g) of dry navy beans and soak them overnight in plenty of water. Alternatively, quick-soak by boiling for 2 minutes, then cover and let sit for 1 hour.
  2. Chop 6 thick-cut bacon slices into small pieces. Finely chop 1 medium yellow onion and mince 2 garlic cloves.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon pieces until crispy and fat is rendered, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the pan.
  4. Add chopped onions to the bacon fat and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Drain soaked beans and rinse well. Add beans and 4 cups (950ml) fresh water to the slow cooker.
  6. Add cooked onions, garlic, bacon pieces, 1/2 cup (120ml) BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until beans are tender and sauce thickens. Check after 6 hours to adjust seasoning and stir gently.
  8. If beans are too liquidy, remove lid for the last 30 minutes to evaporate excess liquid. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or maple syrup as needed.

Notes

Use hardwood-smoked bacon for best flavor. Soak beans overnight for tender texture. Stir gently to avoid breaking beans. Adjust seasoning at the end as sauce thickens when cooled. Vegetarian option: omit bacon, add 1 tsp liquid smoke and extra smoked paprika. For gluten-free, verify BBQ and Worcestershire sauce labels.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker baked beans, BBQ baked beans, maple bacon beans, easy baked beans, cozy meals, slow cooker recipes, smoky baked beans

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/slow-cooker-bbq-baked-beans-recipe-easy-maple-bacon-beans-for-cozy-meals/