Slow-Cooker BBQ Baked Beans

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + soaking Cook: 8-1/2 hours

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Apr. 24, 2022
I was under a doctor’s orders to reduce the amount of sodium I was eating, but I just couldn't part with some of my favorite foods. After many experiments, I came up with this potluck favorite—and now everyone's happy! —Sherrel Hendrix, Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Slow-Cooker BBQ Baked Beans Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 ounces) dried great northern beans
  • 2 smoked ham hocks (about 1/2 pound each)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder, divided
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce, optional

Directions

  1. Rinse and sort beans. Place in a large saucepan; add water to cover by 2 in. Let soak, covered, overnight. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid.
  2. Return beans to saucepan; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil. Boil 15 minutes. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid.
  3. In a 4-qt. slow cooker, combine beans, ham hocks, water, onion, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Cook, covered, on low until beans are tender 8-10 hours.
  4. Remove ham hocks; cool slightly. Cut meat into small cubes, discarding bones; return meat to slow cooker. Stir in barbecue sauce, brown sugar, nutmeg, cloves, remaining garlic powder, remaining onion powder and, if desired, pepper sauce. Cook, covered, on high until heated through, about 30 minutes.

Test Kitchen tips
  • Using hot sauce to flavor foods can be a smart alternative to salt, but make sure you check the nutrition labels. We recommend Tabasco sauce. It has only 26 mg of sodium per 5-7 drops.
  • Nutrition Facts

    1/2 cup: 238 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 347mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 8g fiber), 10g protein.