Bourbon Mango Slow Cooker Baked Beans

I was really happy with the way my Bourbon Mango Pulled Summer Squash Sandwiches turned out, particularly the sauce. As soon as we were finished eating, I started thinking about other things I could do with it.

One of the ideas I had was to make baked beans. It took a little bit of work (and even some math—gasp!) to figure out how to make this recipe turn out right, but I think I succeeded—these are traditional baked beans with a twist!

This recipe for Bourbon Mango Slow Cooker Baked Beans is perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck—trust me, it makes enough to feed a small army. Use leftovers to make baked bean sandwiches or Vegetarian Shipwreck Casserole.

Bourbon Mango Slow Cooker Baked Beans

Serves 16

Ingredients

• 2 (16 oz) bags dried navy beans
• cooking spray
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 mango, peeled, diced, and pureed
• 1 1/2 cup prepared barbecue sauce
• 1 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 1/2 tbsp bourbon
• 1/4 tsp chipotle powder (1/2 tsp for spicier beans)
• salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Soak beans overnight in a large bowl (if desired). Drain, rinse, and add to large Dutch oven. Cover beans with water and bring to a simmer. Lower heat and cook for 45 minutes, or until tender. Drain and cool.
2. While beans are cooking, heat cooking spray in a small skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and saute until golden, stirring often, about 7 minutes.
3. Combine onions and beans in slow cooker. Add mango puree, barbecue sauce, water, balsamic vinegar, honey, bourbon, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper and stir until well-combined. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, until sauce has thickened.

Linked up with Veggie Converter Meatless/Vegan Monday.

This post was originally published on 18 July 2011.