Crock Pot Party Beans Recipe

I love preparing my Party Beans recipe for every potluck. I combine soaked pinto beans with crispy bacon and chopped onion, along with garlic, barbecue sauce, ketchup, and a sprinkle of brown sugar, chili powder, and cumin. The flavors meld perfectly to create a dish that never fails to impress. Indeed.

I’m excited to share my Crock Pot Party Beans recipe that brings an explosion of flavor to any potluck. I’ve always been a fan of trying new twists on multi bean recipes, and this one stands out.

I start with 1 lb of dried pinto beans that have been rinsed and soaked overnight, then add 6 cups of water to bring them all together. I toss in some chopped bacon that I’ve lightly cooked to bring a smokey taste, along with a chopped large onion and 3 minced garlic cloves.

For a delicious tangy kick, I add 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup, and 1/3 cup brown sugar, plus a hit of chili powder and ground cumin. Season it off with salt and pepper, and you got a dish that’s bound to be a hit at any party.

Trust me, this is one of my favorite ways to impress guests with a unique, tasty bean medley!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s super easy to throw together, and even though it takes ages to cook in the crock pot, it makes the kitchen smell amazing all day long. I also really like how all those different flavors come together—the smoky bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and sweet brown sugar just make every bite so satisfying. Plus, I appreciate that it’s a real crowd-pleaser; whenever I make it for a potluck, everyone asks for seconds, and that makes me feel like a top chef. And finally, I love how forgiving it is—you can easily add a bit more water if it gets too dry, which just takes the pressure off and lets me experiment with the flavors without worry.

Ingredients

• Pinto Beans: Provide essential fiber and protein, supporting digestion and a steady energy supply.
• Bacon: Imparts a salty, smoky flavor while adding protein and irresistible richness.
• Onion: Contributes a mild natural sweetness and vitamins, intensifying aromatic depth in every bite.
• Garlic: Offers distinct pungency and possible immune benefits, elevating the overall taste.
• Barbecue Sauce: Balances tanginess and spice, complementing the hearty bean flavors perfectly.
• Ketchup: Adds a subtle acidity and sweetness, harmonizing with the dish’s smokiness.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the mix, creating a caramel like touch to offset spicy ingredients.
• Chili Powder: Adds vibrant heat to the dish, enhancing its bold, festive flavors.
• Cumin: Brings earthy undertones that enrich the savory complexity of the party beans.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb dried pinto beans (rinsed and soaked overnight)
• 6 cups water
• 1/2 lb bacon, chopped and lightly cooked
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Make sure your pinto beans have been soaked overnight, then drain and rinse them.

2. Place the soaked beans in your crock pot with the 6 cups of water.

3. In a skillet, lightly cook the chopped bacon until its just crispy and then add it to the crock pot.

4. Use the same skillet to sauté the chopped onion until it’s softened, then toss in the minced garlic and pour everything into the crock pot.

5. Stir in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar.

6. Sprinkle the chili powder and ground cumin over all of the ingredients, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for about 7 to 8 hours, or until the beans are tender.

8. Give the mixture a stir halfway through the cooking time to make sure all the flavors are well mixed.

9. If the beans start to look too dry, you can add a little more water as needed.

10. Once the beans are soft and flavorful, give it one last stir and serve hot – its perfect for any potluck!

Equipment Needed

1. Crock pot (slow cooker) for simmering the beans over several hours
2. Skillet for crisping the bacon and sautéing the onion and garlic
3. Colander to drain the soaked pinto beans
4. Cutting board for chopping bacon, onion, and garlic
5. Chef’s knife for chopping the ingredients
6. Measuring cups and spoons to measure water, sauces, sugars, and spices
7. Stirring spoon to mix everything together during cooking
8. Ladle for serving the hot beans

FAQ

Crock Pot Party Beans Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you’re not a fan of bacon or just want to mix it up, try using turkey bacon or even diced ham instead.
• Instead of plain water, you could swap in some chicken or vegetable broth to add extra flavor.
• Missing the barbecue sauce? A blend of tomato paste with a bit of honey and smoked paprika can work just fine.
• If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, coconut sugar or a mix of maple syrup with a pinch of regular sugar could be a fun alternative.
• Not keen on pinto beans? Black beans or kidney beans can be used instead but be sure to check the cooking time.

Pro Tips

1. Try reserving some of the bacon fat before cleaning the pan. It adds a ton of flavor when you sauté the onions and garlic in it.
2. Keep an extra bit of water handy. Sometimes the beans can get too dry, so a splash now and then can really help prevent them from sticking.
3. Stir the mixture more than once if you can. Slower cookers can heat unevenly so giving it a few stirs helps the flavors mix well.
4. If you like a little twist, toss in a bay leaf or sprinkle in a pinch more of chili powder towards the end. It gives a subtle extra zing without overpowering the dish.