If you’re looking for good slow cooker recipes that bring bold, smoky flavors with minimal effort, this one’s a game-changer! Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Barbecue Beans is the ultimate family-friendly slow cooker recipe—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or serving up at a casual gathering. This dish is packed with hearty beans, savory kielbasa, crispy bacon, and a sweet, tangy barbecue sauce that all simmer together for the perfect bite. Trust me, you’re going to love how effortless and delicious this is! Plus, if you’re a fan of easy slow cooker meals, this one’s a must-try!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor – Just toss everything into your crockpot prep meal, let it simmer, and enjoy!
- Sweet, Smoky, and Savory – The perfect balance of barbecue sauce, maple syrup, and smoky kielbasa.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Whether for a weeknight dinner or potluck, this is a slow cooker family meal that everyone will devour.
- Customizable – Make it meat-free for a veggie slow cooker recipe, or adjust the seasonings to your taste!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for this best slow cooker meal—no fussy prep, just bold flavors in every bite:
- Black Beans, Great Northern Beans, and Kidney Beans – A mix of beans for a hearty texture and rich taste.
- Onion – Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Barbecue Sauce & Ketchup – Brings the sweet and tangy base that makes this dish irresistible.
- Worcestershire Sauce & Mustard – Adds a hint of umami and a little tangy kick.
- Chili Powder – Just a touch of warmth to balance the sweetness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Brightens up the flavors with a bit of acidity.
- Maple Syrup & Molasses – The perfect combination of deep, smoky sweetness.
- Chicken Broth – Helps create a rich and flavorful sauce.
- Bacon – Crispy, smoky bites throughout the dish.
- Kielbasa – The star of the show! Adds bold, savory flavor to every bite.
📌 Ingredient measurements will be listed in the recipe card below!
How to Make Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Barbecue Beans
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Rinse and drain the canned beans.
- Dice the onion and cut the bacon and kielbasa into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon (Optional but Recommended!)
- Cook the bacon in a pan until crispy, then set aside.
Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
- Add the beans, diced onion, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, molasses, and chicken broth into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Add the Kielbasa and Bacon
- Stir in the sliced kielbasa and crispy bacon.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until everything is heated through and flavors have melded together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Stir well before serving, and enjoy this delicious slow cooker family meal!
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
- For Extra Flavor – Sauté the onions before adding them to the slow cooker for a richer taste.
- Make It Meat-Free – Skip the kielbasa and bacon for a veggie slow cooker recipe—just add more beans or smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor.
- Thicker Sauce? – Let the dish sit uncovered for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Best Slow Cooker Meals Hack – Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce before serving for an extra umami boost.
- 🧀 Want an appetizer that pairs perfectly with this dish? These Cream Cheese Dips are creamy, flavorful, and a guaranteed hit at any gathering!👉👉Cream Cheese Dips – Party Favorites…
How to Serve
This easy slow cooker meal is already packed with flavor, but here’s how to take it up a notch:
- With Cornbread – The perfect pairing for soaking up all that rich sauce!
- Over Rice – A hearty way to enjoy this dish as a full meal.
- With a Side Salad – A fresh contrast to the deep, smoky flavors.
- 🌮 Hosting a gathering? Pair this dish with fun, crispy OMG Taco Cupcakes for the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal!👉👉OMG Taco Cupcakes Recipe…
- As a Sandwich Filling – Spoon it into a toasted bun for a BBQ-style sandwich!
- 🍪 Need a sweet finish? Whip up a batch of these Peanut Butter Cookies—soft, chewy, and the perfect post-BBQ treat!👉👉Peanut Butter Cookies…
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- 🌈 Planning ahead for Easter? This Easter Poke Cake is the perfect colorful, festive dessert to complement your slow-cooked feast!👉👉Easter Poke Cake…
Reheating
- Warm on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Andouille sausage or smoked sausage works great for a slightly different flavor.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the kielbasa and bacon and add extra beans or mushrooms for a veggie slow cooker recipe.
🥧 Want more comfort food inspiration? Check out What to Serve with Meat and Potato Pie for delicious side dish ideas!👉👉What to Serve with Meat and Potato Pie for Dinner…
3. Do I have to pre-cook the bacon?
No, but crispy bacon adds extra texture and a deep smoky flavor to the dish!
4. Can I make this in advance?
Yes! This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
💪 Looking for a protein-packed dessert after your hearty meal? Try this Creamy Protein-Packed Pudding—a simple and nutritious treat!👉👉Make Creamy Protein-Packed Pudding with This Simple Hack…
This Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Barbecue Beans is the ultimate slow cooker family meal—sweet, smoky, hearty, and ridiculously easy to make! Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving a cozy dinner, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try and let me know how you like it! 😊🔥
Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Barbecue Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- Black Beans Great Northern Beans, Kidney Beans – Hearty and protein-packed base.
- Onion – Adds mild sweetness and depth.
- Barbecue Sauce & Ketchup – The rich sweet, and tangy sauce base.
- Worcestershire Sauce & Mustard – Boosts the umami and tangy flavors.
- Chili Powder – A subtle hint of warmth.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Maple Syrup & Molasses – Deep smoky sweetness
- Chicken Broth – Creates a rich flavorful sauce.
- Bacon – Crispy and smoky for extra texture.
- Kielbasa – The star ingredient with bold savory flavor.
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Rinse and drain the beans. Dice the onions, and cut the bacon and kielbasa into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Bacon: In a pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, then set aside.
- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Combine beans, onions, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, molasses, and chicken broth in the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Add Kielbasa and Bacon: Stir in the sliced kielbasa and crispy bacon.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
- Serve & Enjoy: Stir well and serve warm with cornbread, rice, or as a sandwich filling.