If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day, then the Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Pulled Pork and Pineapple Recipe is going to become your new best friend. This recipe brings together the smoky richness of pulled pork, the sweet tang of pineapple, and the hearty comfort of baked beans, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s simple to put together but delivers complex layers of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a potluck favorite, this dish stands out with its perfect balance of sweetness, savoriness, and just the right hint of zest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, thoughtful ingredients is the secret to making this recipe shine. Each item plays a critical role, giving texture, color, and flavor depth that makes every bite memorable.
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped: Adds a smoky, crispy foundation that elevates the dish.
- 3 (28-oz) cans baked beans: The hearty base that brings comforting softness and that classic baked bean flavor.
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes: Infuses subtle sweetness and aromatic depth without extra prep.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed: A rich sweetness that perfectly balances savory components.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce: Brings tangy, smoky notes that tie all the flavors together beautifully.
- 2 Tbsp yellow mustard: Adds a gentle kick and a touch of acidity to brighten the dish.
- 1 (20-oz) can pineapple tidbits in juice, drained: Provides bursts of juicy sweetness and a tropical twist.
- ¾ lb shredded pulled pork: The star protein that makes this recipe hearty, meaty, and irresistibly satisfying.
How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Pulled Pork and Pineapple Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Start by tossing the cooked and chopped bacon, baked beans, minced onion flakes, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, yellow mustard, drained pineapple tidbits, and shredded pulled pork into your 6-quart slow cooker. This effortless mix brings all those incredible flavors together, letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting for you.
Step 2: Low and Slow Cooking
Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the pulled pork to infuse the beans with rich, smoky goodness. The low heat gently thickens the sauce and boosts the sweetness of the pineapple.
Step 3: Finish with Sauce Thickening
After the initial cooking time, uncover the slow cooker and continue to cook for an additional hour. This step is key for letting the sauce thicken into a luscious glaze that clings beautifully to each bean and tender pork shred.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Pulled Pork and Pineapple Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t be shy about topping your dish with fresh, crunchy garnishes like chopped green onions or fresh parsley. These add a pop of color and a bit of brightness that perfectly contrast the richness of the beans and pork.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with classic barbecue sides like cornbread, coleslaw, or even simple steamed greens. The sweetness and heartiness of the beans with pulled pork complement almost any savory side, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Pulled Pork and Pineapple Recipe in rustic cast iron skillets for a cozy family dinner or dish them out in small mason jars for a fun party presentation. You can also pile them onto toasted baguette slices to create loaded bean and pork crostinis that are sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors develop even more overnight, making the next day’s meal taste like a whole new dish. Consume within 3 to 4 days to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
The Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Pulled Pork and Pineapple Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. Frozen, it will last up to 3 months, making it an excellent meal prep option.
Reheating
Rewarm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, or use a microwave, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickened too much in the fridge to bring it back to its perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple will add a wonderful brightness and a bit more texture. Just make sure to chop it into small tidbits and drain any excess juice to keep the sauce from becoming too watery.
Is it possible to make this recipe without pork?
Yes, you can swap pulled pork for pulled chicken or even a plant-based meat substitute. The key is the slow cooking and saucy, sweet-savory blend that binds everything together, so feel free to customize.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe leans more toward sweet and smoky rather than spicy. If you want a little heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce before cooking can easily give it a mild kick.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and cook later?
Definitely! You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Then simply start the slow cooker the next day for a perfectly cooked meal.
What is the best type of slow cooker to use?
Any standard 6-quart slow cooker works well for this recipe. A manual or programmable slow cooker with LOW and HIGH settings will allow you to set it and forget it with confidence.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dish that feels like a celebration of comfort food magic, the Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Pulled Pork and Pineapple Recipe is waiting for you to make it your own. It’s warm, tasty, and effortlessly satisfying, perfect for sharing with friends and family around any table. Don’t hesitate—throw those ingredients together and get ready to fall in love.
Print
Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Pulled Pork and Pineapple Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (5 hours covered + 1 hour uncovered)
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Baked Beans recipe combines smoky bacon, sweet baked beans, tangy BBQ sauce, and tender pulled pork for a hearty and flavorful side dish. Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, the slow cooker does all the work while the flavors meld together over several hours.
Ingredients
Meat
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- ¾ lb shredded pulled pork
Beans
- 3 (28-oz) cans baked beans
Flavorings & Sweeteners
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 Tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 (20-oz) can pineapple tidbits in juice, drained
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cook and chop the bacon into small pieces. Drain the pineapple tidbits. Gather all other ingredients.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the cooked bacon, baked beans, minced onion flakes, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, yellow mustard, drained pineapple tidbits, and shredded pulled pork. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Cook Covered: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 5 hours, allowing flavors to meld and beans to tenderize.
- Uncover and Thicken: After 5 hours, remove the lid and continue cooking on LOW for another hour, uncovered, so the sauce can thicken to a rich consistency.
- Serve: Once the sauce is thickened and heated through, stir gently and serve warm as a delicious side dish or main with bread or cornbread.
Notes
- For best results, use a 6-quart slow cooker to avoid overflow and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying brown sugar amount to taste.
- You can substitute pulled pork with cooked shredded chicken or leave it out for a vegetarian version.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat nicely.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicy kick.
