Slow Cooker Barbecue Sausage Baked Beans Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add an extra layer of complexity, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or a teaspoon of yellow mustard to the sauce before cooking.

These subtle additions can enhance the smoky profile of the sausage and provide a pleasant tang that cuts through the sweetness of the barbecue sauce. You can also customize the texture by lightly mashing a small portion of the beans with a fork before adding them to the cooker.

If you are serving this for a larger group, you can easily double the recipe as long as your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the volume.

Just ensure you do not fill the insert more than two-thirds full to prevent any bubbling over during the cooking process. If doubling, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure everything is heated through thoroughly to the center.

Variations

• Spicy Barbecue Beans: Add two tablespoons of diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the mix before cooking for a spicy kick that complements the sweet barbecue sauce perfectly.
• Bacon Loaded Beans: Incorporate four slices of cooked, crumbled bacon into the mixture before serving to add an extra layer of smoky, salty texture that pairs beautifully with the sausage and beans.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat until steaming hot.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the beans are cooled to room temperature within two hours of cooking before placing them in the fridge. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a tablespoon of water if the sauce has become too thick during storage, until it is steaming hot throughout.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool completely, and then store it as directed.

Simply reheat it when you are ready to serve. This makes it a stress-free option for planning meals for the week or preparing for a weekend gathering with friends and family.

Serving ideas

Serve these barbecue sausage baked beans hot, directly from the slow cooker or transferred to a decorative serving bowl. They pair wonderfully with a side of crusty cornbread, a fresh green salad, or some simple coleslaw to provide a nice contrast in texture and temperature.

The sweetness and tang of the beans balance perfectly with the savory, smoky notes of the sausage, making it a complete and satisfying meal on its own.

For a more casual presentation, offer a few extra toppings on the side, such as thinly sliced scallions, chopped fresh parsley, or even a dollop of sour cream for those who enjoy a bit of creaminess. The simplicity of the dish allows it to be versatile enough for a quick weeknight dinner or a larger buffet-style spread where it can serve as a hearty side dish or a main course for guests.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Barbecue Sausage Baked Beans

Prep 5 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 5 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
• 3 cans (15 oz each) canned baked beans, drained

Instructions

1. Place the sliced smoked sausage rounds into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Scatter the diced onions evenly over the sausage. Add the drained canned baked beans into the cooker.
2. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the bean mixture. Pour the barbecue sauce over the top. Use a large spoon to gently combine all the ingredients until everything is well coated.
3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours until the mixture is hot and bubbly. Ensure the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

18.5 g

Carbohydrates

52 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

8 g

Sugar

22 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.