Classic BBQ Beans with Bacon

Ingredients

• 1 cup navy beans
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 large onion
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse the navy beans under cold water and soak them in a large bowl with 4 cups of water for at least 8 hours or overnight.

2. 2

   After soaking, drain the beans and set them aside.

3. 3

   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.

4. 4

   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon grease. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

5. 5

   In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the soaked beans, crumbled bacon, sautéed onion and garlic, brown sugar, yellow mustard, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt.

6. 6

   Add the 4 cups of water to the pot and stir until well combined.

7. 7

   Cover the pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender.

8. 8

   If using a slow cooker, set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the beans are soft and the flavors meld.

9. 9

   Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm as a side dish to your BBQ meal.