Slow Cooker Recipes - Southern Cravings

Pulled Pork Tenderloin

Anna Kate — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:42:36 +0000

Pulled pork tenderloin is a quick, easy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy days when you don’t have much time! Just season it, set the slow cooker, and come back to perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. Perfect for BBQ pork sandwiches, potlucks, and more!

One of my favorite recipes to make when I’m hosting friends and family is pulled pork since it’s always a crowd-pleaser. I usually prepare my classic pulled pork shoulder recipe, but this one is great when I’m feeding a smaller crowd and don’t need so many portions!

Debating on how much pulled pork you need? See this guide for how much pulled pork per person.

Just like oven-roasted pork, this slow cooker recipe has a hassle-free preparation and minimal clean-up. It’s the kind of comfort food that satisfies everyone at the dining table, but keeps me happy as a host!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple to make: This slow cooker pulled pork recipe doesn’t need constant monitoring like many protein recipes. Just set it and forget it!
Kid-friendly: With the perfect balance of flavors, this dish is perfect for adults and kids.
Versatile: You can serve pulled pork tenderloin on buns, make loaded pulled pork nachos, or stir leftovers into your favorite mac and cheese. The options are endless!

Juicy Pulled Pork Tenderloin

The South is well-known for its slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth meat specialties, so I’m no stranger to pulled pork. While it’s more typically prepared with pork shoulder, this pulled pork tenderloin showcases a leaner, smaller cut of the pig, and it turns out just as delicious!

To infuse a rich, smoky undertone, I love to season my pork with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. After about four or five hours in the slow cooker, the pork tenderloin turns out irresistibly tender and flavor-packed!

For a tangy sweetness and added moisture, don’t forget a dash of your favorite BBQ sauce. Serve it as the main entree, tuck it into buns, or use leftovers to bulk up casseroles.

Ingredients For Pulled Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin: This lean and tender cut absorbs flavors well. It usually comes in a pack of two, so you can freeze the other or double the recipe for leftovers. If pork tenderloin is unavailable, you can use pork shoulder for a more traditional taste and texture.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the pork. You can adjust the quantity to taste.
Smoked paprika: Gives the pork a smoky, slightly spicy flavor. Regular, sweet, or hot paprika will also work if smoked paprika isn’t available.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory, toasty, and earthy element. Not garlic powder on hand? Replace it with extra onion powder instead.
Onion powder: Brings a mild sweetness and savory depth to the dish. Alternatively, you can use extra garlic powder in its place.
Vegetable broth: Helps keep the meat moist and tender during cooking. You can substitute vegetable broth with water or chicken broth or stock if you’d like.
BBQ sauce: Adds sweetness and tanginess to the pork. You can use any brand you prefer or even make your own!

How To Make Pulled Pork Tenderloin

Step 1: Season The Pork

In a small bowl, mix together the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub your spice mixture all over the tenderloin, making sure to cover it entirely for a consistent flavor throughout.

Step 2: Set Up The Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned tenderloin in the bottom of your slow cooker. Be sure not to pour broth directly over the pork — you don’t want to wash off the freshly applied rub!

Step 3: Slow Cook The Pork

Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to high. You’ll need to cook the pork for about 4-5 hours, or until it’s tender enough to shred with a fork.

Read more about the best internal temperature for pulled pork.

Step 4: Shred The Pork

Once your pork is ready, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. After shredding, return it to the slow cooker and mix it with any remaining cooking liquid.

Add your BBQ sauce to the shredded pork, stirring well to ensure an even distribution. You can adjust the salt and sauce at this point to suit your taste.

What To Serve With Pulled Pork Tenderloin

For a complete meal, pair your pulled pork tenderloin with savory side dishes like these:

Recipe Variations

Spice it up: Add different spices like cumin or chili powder for a flavor twist. You can even use my homemade dry rub.
BBQ sauce: Try different types of BBQ sauces to change the flavor profile each time you make this pulled pork crock pot recipe.
Beer broth: Add a can of beer instead of vegetable broth for a deeper flavor.
Spicy: Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add cayenne pepper for a kick.

Tips For The Best Recipe

Rub it right: Make sure to rub the spices thoroughly into the pork to infuse the best flavors.
Broth placement: Avoid pouring the broth over the pork to prevent washing the rub off.
Cook on high: Cook your pork tenderloin on high for the best texture.
Shred while warm: Make sure you shred the pork while it’s still warm to achieve that quintessential pulled pork texture.
Have patience: If the pork isn’t tender after 4 hours, let it cook a bit longer.

What To Do With Leftovers

If you end up with leftover slow cooker pulled pork tenderloin, here’s what to do:

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Transfer the pork to a freezer-safe container. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months this way.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.

Read all my tips on freezing, defrosting, and reheating pork.

Additional Recipes

If you enjoyed this pulled pork tenderloin recipe, check out some more classics like these:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?

Yes, you can! While this pulled pork crock pot recipe specifically uses pork tenderloin, you can substitute it with other cuts like pork shoulder if you prefer. The cooking time will vary depending on the cut.

Can I use a different kind of broth?

Absolutely! I use vegetable broth in this recipe, but you can use chicken or beef broth if that’s what you have on hand. The reason for broth is to add moisture and a bit of flavor to the dish.

Can I cook the pork on low instead of high?

Of course! If you have more time, you can cook the pork on low for 7-8 hours instead of high for 4-5 hours. It will result in a perfectly juicy and flavorful tenderloin.

Pulled Pork Tenderloin

Pulled pork tenderloin is a quick, easy, and hearty dish that's perfect for busy days when you don’t have much time! Just season it, set the slow cooker, and come back to perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. Perfect for BBQ pork sandwiches, potlucks, and more!

Course Dinner Recipes

Cuisine American, Asian

Keyword bbq, pork recipe, pork tenderloin

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 5

Servings

Calories 273kcal

Author Anna Kate

Equipment

Ingredients

2 pounds pork tenderloin these usually come in a pack of two, freeze the other or double the recipe for leftovers
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup BBQ sauce your choice

Instructions

In a small bowl combine the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix to combine.
Rub your spice mixture all over the tenderloin, and then place it in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add the vegetable broth to the bottom of the slow cooker (don't pour it over the pork, though, so that you don't wash off your spice rub).
Add the lid and cook on high for 4-5 hours, or until the tenderloin is easy to shred with a fork.
Remove the pork from the crock pot, and shred with 2 forks. Return it to the slow cooker, and mix it with any liquid that might have remained in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add your BBQ sauce, and stir to combine. Adjust salt and sauce amounts as needed.
Serve on buns or as the main entree.

Nutrition

The post Pulled Pork Tenderloin appeared first on Southern Cravings.

Taco Soup

Anna Kate — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 21:45:40 +0000

Crock pot taco soup is the ultimate no-fuss Tex-Mex comfort food! It brings together the best of two worlds — the hearty richness of chili and the spicy vibrance of tacos. It’s a true game-changer for those looking for a mouthwatering, easy-to-make dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless: This original taco soup recipe is one of the simplest meals to make! Just brown the beef, add the rest of the ingredients, and simmer until it’s bubbling.
Crowd-pleaser: This recipe is perfect for game days, large family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you need to feed a crowd.
Comforting: Nothing beats the warmth and satisfaction of a bowl of taco soup, especially on cool fall or winter evenings.

What is taco soup?

Taco soup is an easy, hands-off recipe that’s extremely popular in the Southern United States. Taking inspiration from both chili and tacos, it’s packed with hearty, spicy, tangy, and rich flavors that will keep you full and satisfied for hours!

It showcases ingredients like ground beef, two kinds of beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Everything is slow-cooked in the Crockpot until the flavors meld together, creating a recipe the whole family will love!

For the best eating experience, serve your beef taco soup hot, garnished with shredded cheese, green onions, cilantro, corn chips, and a dollop of sour cream.

Ingredients For Taco Soup

Ranch seasoning: Adds a creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavor. Use a store-bought option for more convenience, or try making your own with a mix of dried parsley, dill, onion powder, and garlic powder if needed.
Taco seasoning: Gives the soup its spicy kick! Again, this can be homemade or store-bought. For a homemade mix, use chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
Beans: I like to add black beans and kidney beans for a hearty texture. Both canned beans and home-cooked beans will work. If you don’t have black or kidney beans, try replacing them with other types like pinto or navy beans.
Sweet corn: Offers bursts of juicy sweetness to balance the spices of this crock pot taco soup. Frozen corn also makes a good substitute.
Diced tomatoes: Provides a juicy, tangy base. To create a smokier flavor, substitute regular diced tomatoes with fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
Beef broth: Deepens the rich, meaty flavor of the soup. For a lighter flavor, replace the beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth instead.
Rotel tomatoes: Add zest and a bit of heat. Make sure to double-check the can since there are different spice levels of Rotel tomatoes. If you can’t find them, use extra diced tomatoes with canned diced green chilies.
Ground beef: Provides richness and a hearty texture. I prefer to use 80/20 ground beef for the best results, but you can use 90/10 for a leaner flavor.

How To Make Beef Taco Soup

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Start off by browning your ground beef in a large skillet. Don’t forget to pour off any extra grease as it cooks — we want flavor, not a grease fest! Once it’s browned, add it to the Crockpot.

Step 2: Prepare The Rest

Drain and rinse the kidney beans and black beans in a colander. Additionally, strain the sweet corn. Dump everything into your Crockpot with the beef, including the ranch and taco seasoning.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Give the mixture a good stir, then let it simmer for a few hours until your kitchen smells like crock pot taco soup heaven! Serve it with your favorite toppings and garnishes.

What To Serve With Crock Pot Taco Soup

Now that you know how to make taco soup, try customizing your bowl with some of my favorite toppings and sides like these:

Corn chips: For the perfect textural balance, serve this beef taco soup with crunchy corn chips.
Cheese: Shredded cheese melts into the hot soup, creating a gooey, melty consistency.
Sour cream: For a creamy, cooling element, add a dollop of sour cream on top.
Avocado: Sliced avocados add a buttery richness that complements the spicy soup.
Tortillas: Warm, soft tortillas or crispy tortilla strips make a great side for dipping.

Recipe Variations

Protein swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, pork, or chicken.
Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for a colorful twist.
Creamy: For a creamier version, stir in some cream cheese.
Extra spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or more diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Pasta taco soup: Stir in some pasta for a heartier version of this crock pot taco soup.

Tips For The Best Recipe

Browning: Make sure you thoroughly brown the beef for a richer taco soup flavor.
Heat level: Adjust the heat by adding or reducing the amount of taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes. For a mild version, replace the Rotel tomatoes with regular diced tomatoes and make your own taco seasoning to control the spice.
Consistency: If your crock pot taco soup is too thick, add more broth to reach your desired consistency.

What To Do With Leftovers

If you have leftovers or want to make taco soup ahead of time, just follow these simple storage instructions:

Fridge: Once cooled, store beef taco soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze crock pot taco soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. I suggest portioning them in single-serving containers for easier reheating.
Reheating: Reheat your taco soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warm.

Additional Recipes

If you enjoyed this beef taco soup recipe, here are a few more quick and easy dinner recipes:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup on the stovetop?

Absolutely! To make it on the stovetop, just brown the beef, then add it to a stockpot with the rest. Simmer everything on low for about an hour.

Is this taco soup recipe spicy?

Not necessarily! The spiciness depends on the Rotel tomatoes and taco seasoning used, both of which you can adjust to your preference.

Easy Crock Pot Taco Soup

Course Dinner Recipes

Cuisine American

Keyword crockpot, easy dinner, slow cooker, soup

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 5 10

Servings servings

Calories 366kcal

Author Anna Kate

Equipment

Crock-Pot

Ingredients

1 ounce ranch seasoning packet
1 ounce taco seasoning packet
15 ounces black beans
15 ounces kidney beans
15 ounces sweet corn
15 ounces diced tomatoes
15 ounces beef broth
15 ounces Rotel tomatoes
1 pound ground beef

Instructions

In a large skillet, brown ground beef and pour off any excess grease. Add to crock pot.
In a colander, drain and rinse kidney beans and black beans.
To the same colander, strain sweet corn.
Add beans and corn to the crock pot. Then, add the (undrained) cans of tomatoes and beef broth to the crock pot.
Stir in Ranch and Taco seasoning packets. Stir.
Simmer for 3-5 hours or until bubbling.
Serve with corn chips, shredded cheese, and sour cream if desired.

Notes

Can use homemade ranch and taco seasoning if desired.
Try seasoned canned tomatoes for additional flavor. Examples: fire roasted tomatoes, with green chillies, salsa style, hot, spicy, etc.
Stretch this recipe by adding an extra can of broth.

Nutrition

The post Taco Soup appeared first on Southern Cravings.

Crockpot Turkey Breast

Anna Kate — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 13:15:43 +0000

This Crockpot turkey breast makes an incredible Thanksgiving centerpiece, especially for a smaller crowd! Made with a simple seasoning rub, this recipe delivers tender, juicy, and flavorful turkey with extra crispy skin!

If you ask me, hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be a tough and strenuous endeavor — oven space issues, proper timing, and the list goes on. If you’re doing it alone, it’s essential to find easy and efficient methods of cooking while still providing the best flavor.

That’s where this Crockpot turkey breast recipe comes in handy! It will become your new go-to cooking technique for easy, breezy holiday feasts. With just a few minutes of prep, it’s virtually all hands-off! You can thank me later.

If you are preparing a whole turkey this season, be sure to check out my guide on cooking a Thanksgiving turkey. Plus, how to thaw a turkey safely.

What is a Crockpot turkey breast?

Most turkey breast recipes require the turkey to be brined. You also have to be diligent with a meat thermometer as turkey breast is notoriously easy to overcook. It could turn out okay (if all goes smoothly), but why take any chances?

Making turkey breast in the slow cooker is a far more forgiving cooking method. There is no brining required and much less mess to clean up, which means you’ll have more time to work on side dishes and visit with family!

Since turkey is such a lean cut of meat, traditional cooking techniques require much more of a hands-on approach to ensure juicy results. Making it in the Crockpot takes out all the guesswork, and you’ll still end up with a delicious centerpiece. That sounds like a no-brainer to me!

How much turkey breast per person?

If you’re wondering how much turkey breast to make, the following measurements are a good guideline to ensure you have enough:

Boneless: ½ pound per person (2 ½ pounds for 5 people)
Bone-in: 1 pound per person (5 pounds for 5 people)

Crockpot turkey breast ingredients

See the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below.

Turkey breast: Either bone-in or boneless turkey breast works for this recipe. Bone-in offers more flavor while boneless is easier to carve. Either way, opt for skin-on as it will help lock in moisture and create a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
Butter: Along with the fat released from the skin, butter helps create the perfect crunch, especially once you pop the turkey breast under the broiler. You can also use olive oil.

Seasoning rub: A well-crafted rub goes a long way! I love the earthy, herbaceous, and savory flavors of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Chicken broth or water: To cook the turkey breast in and keep it moist and tender. Broth or water both work equally well.
Onion & celery: Fresh onion and celery are slow-cooked with the turkey, and they are both absolutely magical additions to savory recipes like this. Your house is going to smell amazing!

How to make a slow cooker turkey breast

Step 1: Mix the rub

In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir to combine, then set the bowl aside while you prepare the turkey breast.

Step 2: Prepare the turkey

Remove the turkey breast from the packaging. Make sure to check the cavity for the giblet bag or neck.

Tip: Make a giblet gravy to serve with this Crockpot turkey breast. It prevents waste and provides so much flavor!

Step 3: Season the turkey

Brush the turkey with melted butter, then rub the seasoning mixture over the entire turkey breast. Ensure you slather the rub all over for an evenly crisped skin.

Step 4: Slow cook the turkey breast

To a 6-quart slow cooker (Crockpot), add chicken broth or water. Place the turkey breast in the slow cooker, then surround it with the quartered onion and celery.

Cook the turkey breast on low heat for 5-7 hours, or until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees F with an internal meat thermometer. The temperature will increase slightly as the turkey rests, but this is completely okay.

Step 5: Broil the turkey

Transfer the turkey to an oven-safe dish and broil for a few minutes — just long enough for the skin to crisp on top. Keep an eye on it as it will brown quickly!

Step 6: Serving

Let the turkey rest, then slice and serve it with drippings drizzled over the top. Alternatively, make a quick gravy with the drippings, all-purpose flour, and broth to serve with the turkey.

Tip: The best way to carve a turkey breast is to cut across the fibers of the meat for the juiciest slices.

What to serve with turkey

Surrounding turkey breast with flavorful side dishes is key to a festive holiday feast with your friends and family. With this in mind, serve it up with some of my favorite sides like air fryer potatoes, mashed potatoes, cornbread dressing, or a green bean casserole.

Tips for the best recipe

Cook low and slow. Slow cookers are very forgiving when it comes to turkey breasts. Avoid a dry and bland result by keeping the heat low.
Crisp the skin. To achieve perfectly crispy, crunchy, and golden skin, do not skip broiling! It’s worth the wait.
Use a thermometer. The best way to ensure your turkey breast is safely cooked is with a meat thermometer. If you don’t already own one, the investment will save you many headaches!
Choose the right turkey. If you prefer more flavor, opt for bone-in turkey breast. If convenience is a more important factor, go for boneless turkey breast.

What to do with leftover turkey

Fridge: In an airtight container, this Crockpot turkey breast will last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezer: If using bone-in, remove the bone from the turkey. It’s best to slice the turkey before freezing it so it thaws more easily. If kept in a freezer-safe container, turkey breast will last for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw the turkey breast overnight in the fridge. The best way to reheat turkey breast is to wrap it in aluminum foil, place it on a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet, and heat it in the oven at 275 degrees F, or until the meat reaches 130 degrees F.

Additional Thanksgiving recipes

For more Thanksgiving recipe ideas, feast your eyes on some of my most popular holiday-inspired dishes:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to slow cook a turkey overnight?

Yes, you can slow cook your turkey overnight; it will be just as good as if you did it during the day. Just make sure it won’t be cooked much longer than the recommended cooking time of 5-7 hours.

Can you cook frozen turkey breast in the Crockpot?

No, you should never cook frozen turkey breast in the Crockpot. In fact, no frozen meat should be cooked in a Crockpot because of the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Tender and Juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast

Course Thanksgiving Recipes

Cuisine American

Keyword crockpot, slow cooker, Thanksgiving, turkey

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Servings people

Calories 612kcal

Author Anna Kate

Equipment

Ingredients

5-7 pound bone-in turkey breast thawed
8 tablespoons butter 1 stick
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups chicken broth or water vegetable broth or turkey stock may be substituted
1 count yellow onion quartered
3 count celery stalks halved

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic and onion powder, paprika, italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Set aside.
Remove the turkey from the packaging. Check the cavity for the giblet bag/neck.
Brush the turkey with the melted butter. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the bird.
To a 6 quart slow cooker, add the chicken broth or water. Then, place the turkey breast in the slow cooker and surround with the quartered onion and celery.
Cook on low for 5-7 hours or until the internal temp reads 165°F degrees with an internal meat thermometer.
Transfer the turkey to an oven-safe dish and place under the broiler for a few minutes – just long enough for the skin to crisp on top. Keep an eye on it as it will brown quickly!
Allow the turkey to rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving.
Serve with drippings or gravy.

Nutrition

The post Crockpot Turkey Breast appeared first on Southern Cravings.

Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Anna Kate — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 15:57:24 +0000

Easy baked beans with ground beef are the best Southern-style BBQ side dish. Spice up canned baked beans with ground beef, onion, and spices and simmer in the slow cooker for a hands-free potluck recipe. No one will ever know these aren’t homemade!

You don’t need to make baked beans from scratch to enjoy a good BBQ. Instead of soaking baked beans and all of that prep work, this semi-homemade version is an excellent shortcut to America’s favorite summer BBQ side dish! It’s the best way to dress up canned baked beans and keep your menu simple.

Cowboy Baked Beans with Ground Beef

This easy recipe is also known as Cowboy Baked Beans. There are so many different ways to add flavor to baked beans to include adding bacon, ground beef, BBQ sauce, seasonings, and more.

Homemade baked beans are absolutely delicious, but if you’re in a crunch for time, soaking the beans and the other prep work can make this hearty side dish impossible to prepare without plenty of notice.

Enter: canned baked beans. You might think I’m totally nuts (or cheap) but using canned beans is the real secret to making this semi-homemade version. After you doctor the precooked beans with a few spices, you’ll never know the difference.

Here’s why I love this recipe:

It’s hands-free: There is minimal prep work for this recipe. All you need to do is brown the hamburger meat and onion, then combine all of the ingredients in a slow cooker.
It’s cheap: The total cost of this recipe is about $10, including the seasonings and other tools.
It’s stretchable: With the addition of ground beef, this recipe can feed much more than the can’s serving size. Plus, you can easily add more if you are running low.

What kind of beans are baked beans?

Most baked bean dishes are typically made from Navy Beans or Great Northern Beans. From the can, these are white beans that are mixed together with seasonings and sometimes BBQ sauce.

Baked beans are very different from black beans, kidney beans, butter beans, or pinto beans.

What are Cowboy Beans made of?

Sometimes called “cowboy beans”, these hearty baked beans are made with canned baked beans, ground beef, onion, and spices.

There are so many other ways to dress up baked beans. Other recipes may include bell pepper, bacon, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and other ingredients that add additional flavor.

Ingredients for Baked Beans in a Slow Cooker

Baked Beans: I use Bush’s Original Baked Beans, but you can use any brand or flavor combination you prefer.
Onion: You can use yellow onion or white onion. Alternatively, you can add the onion quartered instead of diced to save prep time.
Spices: Chili powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper.
Ground beef: One pound of lean ground beef is best. I prefer 80/20 or 90/10 (lean to fat ratio)

How to Make Southern BBQ Baked Beans

Since baked beans are already cooked, this process is more about warming all of the ingredients and allowing the flavors to marry. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can also do this on the stovetop with a dutch oven.

To make baked beans in the crock-pot, start by browning the ground beef and chopped onion. I recommend starting with the ground beef in your dutch oven or large skillet. Then, add the onion with the beef and sauté until the onions are translucent and the hamburger is browned.
Drain the ground beef if needed. Then, add the ground beef and onion mixture, baked beans, and remaining ingredients to the pot of a slow cooker. If you are using a liner, add that to the pot, too.
Stir to combine all ingredients and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until bubbling and warmed through.

If you are using a multi-cooker, turn the unit to the “sauté” function to brown the beef and sauté the onion. Then, switch the unit to “slow cook” before adding the remaining ingredients.

Here are a few kitchen tools I recommend to make this recipe easier:

Slow Cooker: Any classic slow cooker will work for this recipe. I recommend using a regular-sized unit. Alternatively, a multi-cooker with the sauté and slow cooker function will keep this recipe all in one pot.
Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed pot for browning the ground beef and onion or cooking the beans on the stove as an alternative to the slow cooker. I love my Tramontina dutch oven set. It’s a budget-friendly option that really stands up to the test of time. We’ve used ours for years!
Slow Cooker Liners: Make cleaning up a breeze with these slow cooker liners! Simply toss out the bag after cooking. No scrubbing required.

How do you thicken baked beans?

If you prefer thicker baked beans, add in a spoonful of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch to one tablespoon of water).

Here are some other ways to thicken beans:

Remove the excess liquid with a ladle.
Mash the beans with a potato masher or ricer.
Remove the lid of the slow cooker (or dutch oven for stove top method) to allow steam to escape. Stir frequently.
Consider adding barbecue sauce or ketchup in small amounts (no more than ⅓ cup at a time) until desired thickness is reached.

The thing to remember about adding in additional flavors is to do this slowly and in small amounts. If you add too much of anything, the flavors and textures could change past repair.

If you thicken the dish too much, simply add a little water and stir.

Can you prep baked beans the night before?

Another thing I love about this great recipe is that you can make it completely ahead of time – even the night before. If you are preparing the night before, make sure the ground beef is browned completely before adding the rest of the ingredients to avoid any bacterial growth.

Whether you use the stovetop method or the slow cooker method, just prepare the beans according to the recipe card below.
Then, place the pot in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the slow cooker pot from the fridge, and place it in the base of the unit. Turn on and allow to simmer for 2-3 hours or until warmed through.

If you are preparing the beans on the same day, just simmer until warmed through. Then, keep them warm on the lowest stove setting.

Tips for the Best Baked Beans from a Can

Can you reheat baked beans after cooking?

Yes, it is safe to reheat baked beans. The easiest way to warm up leftover baked beans is in the microwave. Alternatively, you can warm them on the stovetop in a saucepan.

How do you make canned beans taste better?

To add flavor to canned baked beans, add salt, fat, herbs and spices, and sauce. You can do this with canned or beans cooked from scratch.

To add a smokier flavor, add dried chili powder, paprika, or a BBQ sauce. For a spicier version, a pinch of cayenne pepper should do the trick.

Do you have to cook baked beans from a can?

It’s safe to eat canned beans without warming, but they won’t have nearly as much flavor. Plus, the texture will likely be way off.

How can I thicken beans without cornstarch?

To thicken beans without cornstarch, try mashing the beans with a potato masher or ricer. Alternatively, remove the lid of the pot or slow cooker and continue cooking to allow the steam to escape. You could also remove excess liquid from the pot with a ladle.

What to add to canned baked beans for more flavor

BBQ Sauce or brown sugar for a sweet flavor.
Green Pepper or Red Bell Peppers for an extra kick.
Hot Sauce to add spiciness.
Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, cumin, thyme, etc.

What goes well with baked beans?

For a hearty dinner, try this easy side dish with these main dish recommendations:

Meaty baked beans are the perfect side dish! This is a great dish to take to a family reunion, family gatherings, or to serve at BBQ dinners to complement the main meal.

Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Course Side Dish Recipes

Cuisine American

Keyword bbq, beans, side dishes, slow cooker

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 10

Servings servings

Calories 108kcal

Author Anna Kate

Equipment

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 medium yellow onion diced, about 1 cup
1 pound lean ground beef
3 15-ounce cans of Bush’s Original Baked Beans
3 teaspoons of chili powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire Sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large skillet or dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion and saute.
Continue to cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent (about 5 minutes).
In the pot of a slow cooker, add the cans of beans, chili powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
Cook on low for about 2-3 hours or until warmed through.
Serve hot.

Notes

Using a multi-cooker: turn the unit to the “sauté” function to brown the beef and sauté the onion. Then, switch the unit to “slow cook” before adding the remaining ingredients.
Using a dutch oven: brown the ground beef and chopped onion, then add in remaining ingredients. Simmer for 2-3 hours.

Nutrition

The post Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef appeared first on Southern Cravings.