Slow Cooker Guinness Baked Beans
It was -33 today. I can think of no better argument for bringing out the slow cooker.
Wait – there was a better reason. Kelsey and Phoebe and Cara (from Big Girls Small Kitchen – who’s new cookbook I became smitten with in early December when I was bedridden with a wrecked back) asked me to be a part of their slow-cooker love-in. It’s cold, and I love slow cooked food. Why not?
They’re giving away some slow cookers too, if you want to get in on the action. They’re also swapping ideas and links and pins and such, if you’re looking for slow cookin’ inspiration, which if my inbox is any indication, a lot of people are.
I must keep this short – have a story due today, which technically ends at midnight, right?
There are so many possibilities when it comes to slow cookers. So many cool things to make, but I couldn’t see past a bowl of baked beans. These are thick and sweet and tangy and everything baked beans should be, plus the beer. (As Sue puts it – feel free to swap apple juice or stock if there’s no beer in the fridge, or other members of the household protest its use this way.)
Guinness Baked Beans
AuthorJulieIn a heavy skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove it from the pan, crumble and set aside. Sauté the onion in the bacon drippings (or dump them and replace with a drizzle of oil) for about 5 minutes, until tender and beginning to turn golden.
Transfer the onions to the bowl of a slow cooker and add the beans, ketchup, barbecue sauce, Guinness, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, molasses, and a hit of salt and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Stir the bacon back into the beans right before you serve them.
Ingredients
Directions
In a heavy skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove it from the pan, crumble and set aside. Sauté the onion in the bacon drippings (or dump them and replace with a drizzle of oil) for about 5 minutes, until tender and beginning to turn golden.
Transfer the onions to the bowl of a slow cooker and add the beans, ketchup, barbecue sauce, Guinness, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, molasses, and a hit of salt and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Stir the bacon back into the beans right before you serve them.
I love the addition of Guinness, but also that you use different beans. It’s so funny to me that baked beans are more popular in the summer.
I love how versatile baked beans are. You could try a different recipe every time you make them and just keep thinking the new one is your new favorite. I haven’t used Guiness before – maybe it’s time to try it.
How big is the bottle of Guiness? I’ve seen a few different sizes at our local liquor store. Also, I don’t have a slow cooker but I do have a dutch oven. Do you think this recipe could cook on low on the stove top?
It seems that cooking with beer is in my future. I saw a pasta dish and am intrigued as well.
These sound delicious! I grew up with Saturday night baked beans and fresh bread. My Mom didn’t add beer; but then, I’m constantly improving on my Mom’s dishes. This sounds like another one to add to my list. Thanks.
Baked beans and Guinness? Yes!
Perfect cold weather food. Thanks Julie!
If you have a leftover pint of Guiness I suggest http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Gramercy-Tavern-Gingerbread-103087 I know it’s after Christmas so maybe people are sick of gingerbread but this cake is wonderful. If you do make it be careful when you have the guiness and molasses on the stove-it can boil over! Use a large saucepan and keep your eye on it. 🙂
Love the use of different beans here. Bookmarked!
Now I know what to make for supper tonight – thanks Julie!
This chili, with the tavern bread above and Stout Beer Jelly would be a great themed dinner. http://growitcookitcanit.com/2011/03/17/stout-beer-jelly/
Guinness, not just for breastfeeding moms anymore!
http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/?s=refried+beans&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&submit=Search
Try this slow cooker refried beans recipe – SO simple and good.
Yum! I made a crock pot of Hamburger Soup for supper yesterday, but this sounds much better!
I need to get my hands on a slow cooker!I have lots of childhood memories of my mom making baked beans and my siblings and I just drooling over the smell while we waited for them to be done.
I love baked beans with bacon in them. I use them with eggs for breakfast instead of hashbrowns. I usually make them on top of the stove on slow, but I’d love to have a slow cooker. Does being in Vancouver leave me out?
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