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A generous serving of 3-bean baked beans on a BBQ plate next to a burger and potato salad, set in a sunny outdoor picnic atmosphere.

3-Bean Slow-Cooker Baked Beans

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  • Author: Jessica

Description

Ever wanted a hearty, flavorful side dish that practically cooks itself? 3-Bean Slow-Cooker Baked Beans is your answer! This dish combines three types of beans with a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce for a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners

Ingredients

To make 3-Bean Slow-Cooker Baked Beans, you’ll need a few ingredients that create a rich, flavorful dish. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:

  • Great Northern Beans (4 cans, 15½ oz each, rinsed and drained): Creamy and mild, these beans add a soft texture and soak up the sauce’s flavors.

  • Black Beans (4 cans, 15 oz each, rinsed and drained): Firm and slightly earthy, they provide contrast and heartiness.

  • Butter Beans (2 cans, 15 oz each, rinsed and drained): Large and buttery, these add a rich, smooth texture.

  • Barbecue Sauce (2¼ cups): Brings smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, forming the base of the sauce. Choose your favorite brand or style.

  • Salsa (2¼ cups): Adds a zesty, tomatoey kick with a hint of spice. Mild, medium, or hot salsa works based on your preference.

  • Brown Sugar (¾ cup, packed): Enhances sweetness, balancing the tangy and spicy elements.

  • Hot Pepper Sauce (½ to 1 tsp): Adds a customizable spicy kick to liven up the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Beans: Swap great northern beans for navy or cannellini beans, black beans for pinto beans, or butter beans for lima beans. Adjust quantities to maintain balance.

  • Barbecue Sauce: Use a low-sugar or spicy barbecue sauce for a different flavor, or try a homemade version for a personal touch.

  • Salsa: Substitute with diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel) or a fruit-based salsa (e.g., mango) for a sweet twist.

  • Brown Sugar: Replace with maple syrup, honey, or a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-calorie option.

  • Hot Pepper Sauce: Omit for a milder dish, or use sriracha or cayenne pepper for a different heat profile.

  • Add-Ins: Stir in cooked bacon, diced bell peppers, or onions before cooking for extra flavor and texture.

Instructions

 

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:

    • Rinse and drain 4 cans (15½ oz each) great northern beans, 4 cans (15 oz each) black beans, and 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans to remove excess sodium and canning liquid.

    • Tip: Use a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water for the best texture and flavor.

  2. Combine in the Slow Cooker:

    • In a 6-quart slow cooker, gently combine the rinsed beans, 2¼ cups barbecue sauce, 2¼ cups salsa, ¾ cup packed brown sugar, and ½ to 1 tsp hot pepper sauce.

    • Stir carefully to mix without mashing the beans.

    • Tip: Start with ½ tsp hot pepper sauce and taste the mixture before cooking; add more if you want extra heat.

  3. Cook the Beans:

    • Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, until the beans are heated through and the flavors have melded.

    • Tip: Stir gently halfway through to ensure even heating, but avoid overmixing to keep the beans intact.

  4. Serve:

    • Stir the beans before serving to blend the sauce.

    • Spoon into bowls or onto plates as a side dish, or serve over rice or cornbread for a heartier meal.

    • Tip: Let the beans sit for 5 minutes after cooking to thicken the sauce slightly.

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Find it online: https://myrecipes.memeswing.com/2025/05/3-bean-slow-cooker-baked-beans/

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