Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Barbecue Beans
Description
A hearty combination of smoky kielbasa and sweet-and-savory barbecue beans, slowly cooked to perfection. Perfect for potlucks, game days, or easy family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
2 pounds kielbasa, sliced into rounds
2 (15 oz) cans pork and beans
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can butter beans, drained
Sauce
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
Optional Add-ins
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 jalapeño, diced (for heat)
1/4 cup molasses (for extra sweetness)
Instructions
Preparation
Slice kielbasa into 1/2-inch rounds
Dice onion and bell pepper
Drain and rinse kidney beans and butter beans
Sauce Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together:
Barbecue sauce
Brown sugar
Mustard
Worcestershire sauce
Apple cider vinegar
Minced garlic
Assembly
In slow cooker, layer:
Half of sliced kielbasa
Diced onion and pepper
All beans
Remaining kielbasa
Pour sauce mixture over top
Stir gently to combine
Cooking
Cover and cook:
LOW: 6-8 hours
HIGH: 3-4 hours
Stir occasionally if possible
Tips for Success
Don’t drain pork and beans – the sauce adds flavor
Brown kielbasa before adding for extra flavor (optional)
Add bacon during last hour to keep crispy
Adjust sweetness to taste
Variations
Use different types of beans
Add diced tomatoes
Include corn for sweetness
Try different barbecue sauce flavors
Storage
Refrigerate up to 4 days
Freeze up to 3 months
Reheat in microwave or stovetop
Serving Suggestions
Serve over rice
With cornbread
As a side dish
In bread bowls
Notes
Serves 8-10
Great for meal prep
Flavors improve next day
Can be made ahead