Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Barbecue Beans Recipe
A hearty, smoky, and sweet slow cooker dish featuring kielbasa sausage, a mix of beans, and a tangy barbecue-infused sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or serving at family gatherings. This easy slow cooker meal is packed with bold flavors and minimal effort!
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.
Notes
For extra flavor, sauté the onions before adding them to the slow cooker.
To make this vegetarian, omit the bacon and kielbasa and add extra beans or mushrooms.
If the sauce is too thin, let the dish sit uncovered for 10-15 minutes before serving.