Description

Warm, hearty, and packed with bold flavors, this Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Barbecue Beans recipe is perfect for busy days or cozy nights. With a mix of beans, smoky sausage, and a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and packed with protein, it’s great as a main dish or a hearty side for gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 lb bacon, diced
• 2 lbs Kielbasa sausage, sliced
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Preparation Method

Prepare the Ingredients:
Drain and rinse the black beans, cannellini beans, and garbanzo beans. Dice the onion and bacon, and slice the Kielbasa sausage into rounds.

Combine in the Slow Cooker:
In a large slow cooker, combine the beans, diced onion, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, ancho chili powder, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, molasses, and chicken broth. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Add the Bacon and Sausage:
Layer the diced bacon and sliced Kielbasa sausage on top of the bean mixture. Gently stir to incorporate, ensuring the sausage is slightly submerged but not fully mixed in.

Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 5 hours. Allow the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender.

Serve:
Before serving, gently stir the mixture and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm as a main dish or alongside your favorite sides.

Tips and Conclusion

Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Make it Smokier: Substitute regular bacon with smoked bacon for an extra depth of flavor.

Vegetarian Option: Omit the Kielbasa and bacon, and add smoked paprika for a rich, smoky taste.

Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker consistency, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let the sauce reduce.

Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Barbecue Beans is the ultimate comfort food that combines sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in every bite. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep, this dish is as versatile as it is satisfying. Save this recipe for your next craving, and enjoy the simplicity of slow cooker cooking!