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How To Make Easy Crockpot Barbecue Beans

Perfect for any potluck or barbecue, this dish couldn’t be easier to make. These slow-cooker barbecue beans are made with three different types of canned beans and mixed with basic pantry ingredients.

A wooden spoon scooping up a mix of Great Northern, black, and butter beans coated in a thick, reddish-brown barbecue sauce from a white slow cooker.

Crockpot Barbecue Beans

Sweet and tangy flavors combine in a hearty, low-effort dish that's bound to become a family favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Serving Size 10 servings

Ingredients 

  • 3 (15-ounce) cans great Northern Beans
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans
  • 1 (15-ounce) can butter beans
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce sweet variety like Sweet Baby Ray's
  • 1 cup salsa
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon seasoned salt

Instructions 

  • Prep beans. Rinse and drain the beans in a large colander under running water. It is fine to dump them all in and rinse them at the same time.
    nsed, ready for cooking, with ingredients like barbecue sauce, salsa, and brown sugar arranged around on a white wooden surface.nsed, ready for cooking, with ingredients like barbecue sauce, salsa, and brown sugar arranged around on a white wooden surface.
  • Add to slow cooker. Add the beans to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients.
    Ingredients for the bean dish being added into the slow cooker: the beans have been added, with barbecue sauce, salsa, and brown sugar on top, before mixing, indicating the step-by-step preparation.
  • Mix. Stir well and cover.
    An image highlighting the final dish in the slow cooker, where the beans are fully cooked, coated in a rich, dark sauce, and ready to be served, demonstrating the dish's texture and consistency.
  • Cook. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Serve in bowls and eat with a spoon or (our favorite!) dip tortilla chips with melted cheese into the beans.
    A close-up view of the cooking process, showing the beans, barbecue sauce, and seasonings in the slow cooker before being mixed, with the distinct layers of ingredients visible.

Notes

Choose an inexpensive, shelf-stable salsa.
If you like things spicy, add a teaspoon or two of hot sauce.
Calories: 99kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 150mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 189IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 0.4mg

It’s one of those recipes that I keep coming back to, especially on those busy days when I crave something comforting but don’t have the time for fussing in the kitchen. It’s honestly a bit of a lifesaver! Tossing all the ingredients into the slow cooker feels like I’m sending a little ‘I love you’ to my future self.

A top-down view of the finished three-bean barbecue dish in a white slow cooker on a white wooden surface, the beans are richly coated in a thick barbecue sauce, with kitchen utensils and condiments in the background.

Recipe Tips

  • Salsa Choices: Chunky salsa adds texture, while a smoother one integrates better for a consistent sauce.
  • Spice Adjustment: Start with less hot sauce if you’re unsure about the heat level – you can always add more later.

Important To Have

When it comes to making this cozy bean dish, a couple of items and ingredients really stand out.

A top-down view of ingredients for a slow cooker bean dish on a white wooden surface, featuring open cans of Great Northern, black, and butter beans, a measuring cup of barbecue sauce, a cup of salsa, a bowl with brown sugar, and a small dish of seasoned salt.
  • Slow Cooker. Your kitchen hero for this recipe, it does all the work by slowly simmering the beans and infusing them with flavor.
  • Barbecue Sauce. A key player for its smoky sweetness, you can find it in the condiment aisle, and don’t be afraid to mix brands for a custom flavor.
  • Seasoned Salt. This little blend of spices is a shortcut to depth and character. But don’t waste your money on an expensive fresh salsa.
  • Salsa. Go for a variety you love; it brings a zesty kick to the beans.

Just a few things can make a big difference in this recipe. Each one adds that special touch to transform simple beans into a dish you’ll want over and over.

Serving Suggestions

This is a great easy side for a more work-intensive main course like buttermilk fried chicken. Don’t forget the biscuits and strawberry sweet tea.

Can I make slow cooker beans ahead of time?

Absolutely! These beans are actually even better when made ahead of time, as the flavors have a chance to meld

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the recipe. Soak the dried beans overnight and cook them according to package directions before adding them to the slow cooker. You may also need to increase the cooking time.

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply put them in a pot on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or stove.

This recipe is a quick and easy way to create a delicious and satisfying side dish or snack. I hope you enjoy it for potlucks, parties, or a simple weeknight meal.

picture of smiling female

By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

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