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Savory Crockpot BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon and Jalapeño

crockpot BBQ baked beans - featured image
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A flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe combining tender baked beans with smoky bacon and a subtle kick from fresh jalapeños, perfect for gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cooked Great Northern beans (about 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped (preferably thick-cut)
  • 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and diced (leave seeds in for more heat)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky, slightly sweet variety recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Render the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and browned but not burnt. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic.
  3. Mix sauce ingredients: In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine in crockpot: Add drained beans to the slow cooker. Pour in the sautéed onion, garlic, jalapeño mixture, bacon pieces, and sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine. Add 1/2 cup water or broth if the mix looks too thick.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, stirring once or twice if possible. For thicker consistency, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes.
  6. Final taste and adjust: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar. Optionally, stir in a few drops of liquid smoke for extra smoky flavor.

Notes

Render the bacon first to get smoky fat for sautéing aromatics. Adjust jalapeño heat by removing seeds or adding them later in cooking. Stir gently to keep beans intact. Sauce and sautéed ingredients can be prepared a day ahead. Can be cooked in a Dutch oven on stove for 1.5 to 2 hours as an alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, crockpot, slow cooker, BBQ, bacon, jalapeño, easy recipe, comfort food, potluck, smoky

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/savory-crockpot-bbq-baked-beans-with-bacon-and-jalape-n-o-recipe-made-easy/