Slow Cooker BBQ Baked Beans with Smoked Sausage

Ingredients

For the beans

• 3 cans (15–16 oz / 425–454 g each) baked beans

• 14–16 oz (400–450 g) smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 tablespoons butter

For the BBQ sauce

• ½ cup barbecue sauce

• ¼ cup ketchup

• ¼ cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon chili powder, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into ¼-inch rounds. For deeper flavor, brown the slices in a skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes.

2. Prepare the onion: Dice the onion. If desired, sauté it in the same skillet until softened.

3. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and optional chili powder.

4. Add the beans: Place the canned baked beans, sausage, and diced onion into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.

5. Pour in the sauce: Add the prepared BBQ sauce and stir until the beans and sausage are evenly coated.

6. Slow-cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. Stir once or twice if convenient. If the beans become too thick, add a small splash of water.

7. Adjust the flavor: Taste and add more barbecue sauce for smokiness, mustard for tanginess, or brown sugar for sweetness.

8. Serve: Spoon into bowls and serve hot with cornbread, coleslaw, grilled chicken, burgers, or baked potatoes.

Quick tips

• Extra smoky flavor: Use smoked paprika and a smoky barbecue sauce.

• More heat: Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.

• Thicker beans: Remove the lid for the final 20–30 minutes, if your slow cooker instructions permit.

• Make ahead: Refrigerate the cooked beans and reheat thoroughly before serving.

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in an airtight container and use within 3–4 days.

Nutrition information (approximate)

Per serving, assuming 8 servings:

Nutrition varies by sausage, baked bean brand, barbecue sauce, and serving size.

Nut information

• Nuts: No nuts are required in this recipe.

• Common allergens: Soy or wheat may be present in some sausages, barbecue sauces, or Worcestershire sauces.

• Gluten-free option: Choose certified gluten-free sausage, sauces, and Worcestershire sauce.

• Check ingredient labels for allergy and cross-contact warnings.

Serving suggestion: Serve these sweet and smoky beans alongside grilled meats and a crisp salad for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.