I love preparing these Bourbon Bbq Baked Beans in my slow cooker. Picture navy beans simmering with crispy bacon, diced onion, brown sugar, and molasses, all blended with a hint of mustard, Worcestershire sauce and bourbon for a rich, balanced flavor that inspires every step of my cooking.

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I first encountered this slow cooker recipe while searching for an alternative to my usual BBQ beans and fell in love with the idea. I start with 1 lb of dried navy beans soaked overnight, which I then set aside.

When I think of bacon Im reminded of those smoky, hearty flavors that just define this dish. I add roughly 6 slices of bacon, a large diced onion, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup molasses to create a deep foundation of taste.

Mixing in 2 tablespoons each of mustard and Worcestershire sauce plus 1/2 cup bourbon brings a kick that Im so into. Finally, I let 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth and a pinch of salt and pepper bring everything together.

This recipe takes you on a twisty ride of traditional baked bean goodness with a special cowboy flair. Enjoy every bite and experiment along the way.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because the mix of sweet and savory flavors is just amazing. The brown sugar and molasses blend so perfectly with the bacon and spices, it really satisfies my tastebuds.

I also like how the bourbon adds a unique depth to the dish that makes it feel extra special, like every bite has a little kick of complexity in it.

Another thing is that its super simple to make in the slow cooker. I don’t have to worry about standing over the stove all day which makes it perfect for busy evenings.

Finally, the whole process fills my kitchen with this awesome, comforting aroma that reminds me of family gatherings and fun times with friends.

Ingredients

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Navy beans give you essential fibre, protein and carbs; they help keep you full and healthy.
Bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor along with protein and fats but should be used sparingly.
Onion brings sweetness and loads of flavor, plus a good dose of fibre to boost health.
Molasses contributes rich sweetness, deep carbohydrates and extra nutrients for a robust taste.
Bourbon adds a tangy, mellow kick and increases overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
Brown sugar naturally sweetens the beans giving a smooth balance of flavor in every bite.
Worcestershire sauce offers a savory tang with hints of umami for extra depth in every bite.
Yellow mustard brings a zesty kick and light tanginess that brighten the overall flavor.
Low sodium chicken broth enriches the dish with additional savory depth and moisture.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained

6 slices bacon, roughly chopped

1 large onion, diced

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup molasses

2 tbsp yellow mustard

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup bourbon

3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

How to Make this

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1. Drain the soaked beans and set them aside.

2. In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until its starting to crisp up then remove it with a slotted spoon.

3. Toss the diced onion into the bacon fat in the skillet and cook it for a few minutes until it softens.

4. Place the drained beans into your slow cooker along with the cooked bacon and onions.

5. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, molasses, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, bourbon, water or broth, salt, and pepper.

6. Pour the mixture evenly over the beans and give everything a gentle stir to combine.

7. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for about 8 to 10 hours until the beans are tender and the flavors meld in real good.

8. Check and stir the beans once or twice during cooking to make sure nothing sticks or burns on the edges.

9. Taste and adjust the salt if needed then let it cook for a bit longer if you want a thicker sauce.

10. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, slow cooker bourbon baked beans with your favorite side.

Equipment Needed

1. Colander to drain the soaked beans
2. Cutting board for chopping the bacon and dicing the onion
3. Knife for cutting duties
4. Skillet for cooking the bacon and softening the onions in its fat
5. Slotted spoon to fish out the bacon once it starts crisping up
6. Slow cooker to let the beans simmer along with all the flavors
7. Bowl for mixing the brown sugar, molasses, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, bourbon, broth or water, salt, and pepper
8. Measuring cups and spoons to get all the ingredients right

FAQ

Can I use dried beans without soaking them overnight?

It's best to soak the beans overnight. If you don't, they might not cook evenly in the slow cooker and can take way too long to become tender.

Can i substitute the bacon with something else?

Sure, if you dont eat pork you can use turkey bacon or even a smoked sausage to give a similar flavor.

Is it okay to use water instead of chicken broth?

Yep, you can use water if you dont have chicken broth, but using broth could add more flavor to the beans.

What if i dont want to use bourbon, can i leave it out?

Definitely, you can skip the bourbon if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. Just expect a slightly different flavor profile.

How long should i cook these baked beans in the slow cooker?

Most folks cook them on low for about 8 hours. Just check near the end to make sure the beans are soft enough for your liking.

Slow Cooker Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you can’t find bacon, try using smoked sausage or pancetta to still get that tasty, savory flavor.
If molasses ain’t your thing, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or even some maple syrup for a similar richness.
Don’t have bourbon? Apple cider or a splash of dark rum can work in a pinch and add a cool twist.
If navy beans are hard to come by, give pinto beans or great northern beans a shot instead.
For the brown sugar, you might use an equal amount of coconut sugar or just mix a bit of extra molasses into regular sugar if you’re low.

Pro Tips

1. Try browning the bacon really well in a separate pan before adding it in, so you get that extra crunch and deeper flavor without worrying about the beans sticking.
2. If you want an even richer taste, swap out some of the water for more chicken broth and consider using a low-sodium variety so you can better control the saltiness.
3. Stir the beans a couple of times during cooking to break up any thick spots and make sure all the flavors are mixin in nicely.
4. For a thicker sauce, you can remove a ladle or two of the liquid near the end and let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes before you add it back in, this will help concentrate the flavors.

Slow Cooker Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe

Recipe by James Level

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

360

kcal

Equipment: 1. Colander to drain the soaked beans
2. Cutting board for chopping the bacon and dicing the onion
3. Knife for cutting duties
4. Skillet for cooking the bacon and softening the onions in its fat
5. Slotted spoon to fish out the bacon once it starts crisping up
6. Slow cooker to let the beans simmer along with all the flavors
7. Bowl for mixing the brown sugar, molasses, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, bourbon, broth or water, salt, and pepper
8. Measuring cups and spoons to get all the ingredients right

Ingredients

1 lb dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
6 slices bacon, roughly chopped
1 large onion, diced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
2 tbsp yellow mustard
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup bourbon
3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Directions

Drain the soaked beans and set them aside.
In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until its starting to crisp up then remove it with a slotted spoon.
Toss the diced onion into the bacon fat in the skillet and cook it for a few minutes until it softens.
Place the drained beans into your slow cooker along with the cooked bacon and onions.
In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, molasses, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, bourbon, water or broth, salt, and pepper.
Pour the mixture evenly over the beans and give everything a gentle stir to combine.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for about 8 to 10 hours until the beans are tender and the flavors meld in real good.
Check and stir the beans once or twice during cooking to make sure nothing sticks or burns on the edges.
Taste and adjust the salt if needed then let it cook for a bit longer if you want a thicker sauce.
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, slow cooker bourbon baked beans with your favorite side.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 250g
Total number of serves: 8
Calories: 360kcal
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0.2g
Polyunsaturated: 0.5g
Monounsaturated: 2g
Cholesterol: 12mg
Sodium: 600mg
Potassium: 400mg
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 14g
Vitamin A: 200IU
Vitamin C: 2mg
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 2mg

Slow Cooker Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe

Why I Like this Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantities

How to Make this

Equipment Needed

FAQ

Slow Cooker Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Pro Tips