Emilie Meyer
Cooking canned baked beans in a crock pot is an easy, tasty, and convenient way to prepare this classic side dish. This method is perfect for summer cookouts, as it keeps the kitchen cool, and the longer the beans simmer, the better the flavor. The recipe is highly customizable, allowing for a variety of beans, sauces, and seasonings to be used. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a delicious and comforting dish that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pot | Crock Pot/Slow Cooker |
| Beans | Canned, pre-cooked |
| Beans variety | Pinto, kidney, northern white, black, navy, great northern, butter, pork |
| Additional ingredients | Bacon, onion, garlic, ketchup, BBQ sauce, sugar, honey, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, ham, sausages, ground sausage, beef, chicken broth, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, liquid smoke, bell pepper, olive oil, cornstarch, water |
| Sweetener | Brown sugar, molasses, honey |
| Vegetarian option | Omit bacon |
| Cooking time | 3-8 hours on low heat, 2-4 hours on high heat |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 4 months |
| Reheating | Reheat on stovetop or in the microwave until heated through |
| Calories | 112kcal |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right canned beans
Canned baked beans are a convenient and tasty option for a quick meal. They are a great source of protein and dietary fibre and can be used as a side dish or in recipes such as nachos, quesadillas, burritos, and more.
When choosing the right canned baked beans, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the type of beans you prefer. Common varieties include pinto, kidney, navy, butter, great northern, and white beans. Each type of bean has a slightly different flavour, texture, and colour, so it's worth experimenting to find your favourite. You can also mix different types of beans to create a unique blend.
Secondly, pay attention to the sauce or seasoning used in the canned beans. Traditional baked beans are often cooked in a tomato-based sauce, but you can also find varieties with BBQ sauce, brown sugar, honey, molasses, or a combination of these ingredients. Some brands may also include spices, vinegar, garlic powder, or other seasonings to add extra flavour. Choose a variety that appeals to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Additionally, consider the quality and texture of the beans. Look for beans that are creamy, plump, and buttery, as these tend to have a better mouthfeel and flavour. Avoid beans that are mushy, gritty, or have a watery sauce, as they may be overcooked or of lower quality.
Lastly, think about the brand and price. Popular brands like Bush's, Amy's, Heinz, and Van Camp's offer a wide range of options, from vegetarian to BBQ-style beans. Smaller brands, such as Serious Bean Co., may offer unique flavours like Dr Pepper–flavoured beans. Price can also vary, with some store brands offering more affordable options, but be mindful of potential trade-offs in terms of flavour and quality.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right canned baked beans that suit your taste, budget, and culinary needs. Canned baked beans are a versatile and convenient option that can be elevated with the right combination of ingredients and cooking methods.
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Adding meat
When adding meat to your crockpot baked beans, you can choose from a variety of options such as bacon, sausage, ham, or ground beef. Bacon is a popular choice and can be used in its raw form, cooked until halfway browned, or even pre-cooked for convenience. If you opt for sausage, you can use ground sausage, kielbasa sausage, or smoked sausage slices. Ham is another delicious option, and you can add diced ham or use leftover spiral ham from a previous meal. For a different flavour profile, ground beef can be a great addition to your crockpot baked beans.
To incorporate the meat into your dish, start by cooking it separately. For bacon, slice it into smaller pieces and cook on a stovetop until partially browned. You can also use pre-cooked bacon to save time. If using sausage, cook it before adding it to the crockpot. Similarly, cook any ground beef or other ground meats before adding them to the beans.
When using meat in your crockpot baked beans, you can choose to add it at different stages of the cooking process. One option is to mix the cooked meat into the beans before placing them in the crockpot. This allows the flavours of the meat to infuse with the beans during the slow cooking process. Alternatively, you can add the meat towards the end of the cooking time or even after the beans are done cooking. This helps retain the texture and moisture of the meat while still allowing the flavours to meld before serving.
Remember to adjust your seasoning and ingredient quantities based on the type and amount of meat you add. For example, if using pork and beans, you may need to increase the amount of brown sugar or honey to balance the savouriness of the meat. Additionally, consider adding aromatics such as diced onions, bell peppers, or garlic to enhance the flavour profile of your dish.
Lastly, feel free to experiment with different types of meat and find combinations that suit your taste preferences. You can also try mixing multiple types of meat to create a heartier and more complex dish. Just ensure that you cook the meats adequately and follow food safety guidelines to avoid any potential issues.
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Preparing vegetables
Preparing the vegetables for crock pot baked beans is a simple process. First, gather your chosen vegetables. Onions, bell peppers, and garlic are all popular choices for adding flavour to the dish. You can also add some diced red and green peppers for extra colour and texture.
Once you have your vegetables, it's time to start chopping. Dice the onions and peppers into small, evenly sized pieces. For the garlic, you can either mince or crush it, depending on your preference. If you're using raw bacon, you'll also want to chop this into small pieces.
If you're cooking the bacon, heat a pan over medium heat and add your chosen oil or fat. Chop the bacon into small pieces and fry it until it's crispy. Drain off the excess grease, leaving just enough to cook the vegetables. Add the onions and garlic to the pan and cook until they are slightly golden. If you're using pre-cooked bacon, simply chop it up and set it aside.
Now you have your prepared vegetables, it's time to add them to your crock pot. Layer the vegetables with the beans, sauces, and spices, giving everything a good stir to combine. Then, simply follow the cooking instructions for your chosen baked bean recipe, and enjoy!
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Combining ingredients
Start by chopping up the bacon into small pieces. You can choose to fry the bacon beforehand or use pre-cooked boxed bacon to save time. Cooking the bacon beforehand will give it a crispier texture, while pre-cooked bacon is more convenient and still adds flavour to the dish.
Next, prepare the vegetables. Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic cloves. You can also sauté these ingredients in a tablespoon of oil before adding them to the crockpot to enhance their flavour and texture. If you want to add extra vegetables, such as carrots or celery, feel free to do so.
Now, it's time to combine the ingredients in the crockpot. Add the beans, sauces, sugar, honey, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. You can use canned baked beans or a combination of different types of beans, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or northern white beans. Adjust the amount of sugar and honey according to your taste preferences and whether you're using pork and beans, which tend to be less sweet.
Mix in the chopped bacon, onion, and bell pepper. If you're using additional vegetables or meats, add them at this stage as well. Give the mixture a good stir to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined. Remember, the longer it simmers in the crockpot, the more the flavours will develop and meld together.
Finally, before placing the lid on the crockpot and turning it on, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preferences. Some popular seasonings for baked beans include smoked paprika, chilli powder, and liquid smoke. Once you're happy with the flavour, proceed to cook the beans according to your crockpot's instructions.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for canned baked beans in a crock pot can vary depending on the desired consistency and the specific crock pot model being used. Here are some general guidelines:
If you prefer your beans to have a thicker consistency, you may need to cook them for a longer time. On the other hand, if you like your beans with a bit more bite, a shorter cooking time may be preferable.
For cooking on a low setting, the recommended cooking time ranges from 4 to 8 hours. This longer cooking time allows the flavours to develop and blend together, resulting in tender and flavourful beans. During this time, it is a good idea to stir the beans gently a couple of times to ensure even cooking.
For a high setting, the cooking time is typically between 2 to 4 hours. This setting is ideal if you're short on time but still want delicious, hearty beans.
It's worth noting that crock pots made after 2015 tend to run hotter than older models, so your beans may be ready sooner than expected. Additionally, if you're using multiple crock pots, the smaller volume will likely heat up quicker, and using three cookers will increase the wattage, potentially reducing the heating time.
Lastly, if you're in a hurry, you can heat canned baked beans on the highest setting for approximately one hour. This shorter cooking time is ideal for quickly heating up canned beans for a gathering or potluck.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 3 to 8 hours to cook canned baked beans in a crock pot, depending on the temperature setting.
You can add vegetables such as onions, garlic, and bell peppers. You can also add meat such as bacon, ham, sausage slices, or ground sausage. Additionally, you can include spices and sauces like mustard, BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce.
It is not recommended to use raw kidney beans in a crock pot as it is unsafe. However, you can use other varieties of raw beans or canned beans.
Canned baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 to 4 months.
