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Cozy Dad’s All-Day Memorial Day Baked Beans Slow-Cooked Recipe Perfect for BBQs

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A slow-cooked baked beans recipe featuring smoky bacon, brown sugar, and a touch of tang, perfect for Memorial Day BBQs and comforting gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ cups (300g) dried navy beans, soaked overnight
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 6 slices smoked bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1½ cups (300g) dried navy beans under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with about 3 inches (7.5 cm) of water. Let soak overnight (8-12 hours).
  2. Drain and rinse the soaked beans under cold water.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 6 slices of chopped smoked bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve about 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the skillet.
  4. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the bacon fat. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the soaked beans, cooked bacon, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and salt to taste.
  6. Pour 6 cups (1.4 liters) water or low-sodium chicken broth over the beans. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  7. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8-10 hours. Check once around hour 6 to stir gently and ensure beans are submerged. Add a splash of water if needed.
  8. After cooking, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar if desired.
  9. If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid and cook on high for 15-30 minutes to thicken.

Notes

Soaking beans overnight is recommended for best texture and reduced cooking time. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Avoid stirring too often during cooking to prevent beans from breaking apart. If sauce is thin, cook uncovered on high for 15-30 minutes to thicken. Canned beans can be used but add during last hour to avoid mushiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, slow cooker, Memorial Day, BBQ, smoky, comfort food, navy beans, bacon, slow-cooked beans

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/cozy-dads-all-day-memorial-day-baked-beans-slow-cooked-recipe-perfect-for-bbqs/