Keeping Your Kitchen Cool with Slow Cooker Magic
Summer is the season of barbecues, family gatherings, and delicious outdoor feasts. However, the sweltering heat can make cooking a challenge, especially when it comes to hearty dishes like baked beans. Enter the slow cooker—your BFF for effortless, cool cooking.
This week, we’re sharing our favorite summer BBQ Baked Beans recipe, crafted to keep your kitchen cool while delivering mouthwatering flavors and a healthy boost from our star ingredient, just better.® Prebiotic Fiber.
This simple, veggie-packed recipe is perfect for summer get-togethers, providing a nutritious twist on a classic favorite. It might just steal the spotlight at your next barbecue! 😋
Key Ingredients and Their Health Benefits
Navy Beans or Pinto Beans
Beans are a staple in healthy meal plans for good reason. Navy and pinto beans are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and potassium. Legumes are not only filling but also help regulate blood sugar levels and support heart health. The high fiber content aids digestion, making them an excellent base for our BBQ baked beans. YUM!
Onion and Garlic
Onion and garlic are aromatic ingredients that bring a rich depth of flavor to any dish. Beyond their flavor-enhancing properties, these alliums are known for their numerous health benefits. Onions are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, while garlic has been shown to boost the immune system and reduce blood pressure. Together, they create a flavorful and nutritious foundation for our beans.
Bell Peppers
Colorful bell peppers are not only visually appealing but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Red and green bell peppers provide a healthy dose of vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system and healthy skin. They also contain fiber and folate, making them a valuable addition to our BBQ beans.
Carrot and Zucchini
Adding carrots and zucchini to our baked beans introduces an extra layer of nutrition and texture. Carrots are renowned for their high beta-carotene content, which the body converts to vitamin A, promoting good vision and immune function. Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you full longer.
Diced Tomatoes and Tomato Paste
Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to many health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. Using diced tomatoes and tomato paste in our recipe enhances the flavor while providing a rich source of vitamins and minerals.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Molasses
Apple cider vinegar and molasses add tangy and sweet notes to our BBQ beans without the need for refined sugars. Apple cider vinegar is known for its potential to improve digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. Molasses, on the other hand, is a natural sweetener that contains vital nutrients like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
just better.® Prebiotic Fiber
Our (not-so) secret ingredient, just better.® Prebiotic Fiber, seamlessly integrates into any recipe, boosting its health benefits without altering the taste or texture. just better.® Fiber is a non-GMO soluble corn fiber that directly benefits your gut health, supports metabolic and heart health, and aids in healthy weight management.
Now that we've unveiled the all-star lineup of ingredients and their impressive health benefits, it's time to roll up our sleeves and get cooking! Ready to whip up a batch of these delectable, nutrient-packed BBQ baked beans?
just better.® BBQ Baked Beans
Ingredients:
1 pound dried navy beans or pinto beans, soaked overnight
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 carrot, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, no salt added
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup molasses
2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/3 cup just better.® Prebiotic Fiber
1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 cups vegetable broth
Directions:
Prepare the Beans:
Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Set aside.
Combine Ingredients:
Add the beans, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini to your slow cooker.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, unsweetened applesauce, molasses, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt.
Add Liquid:
Pour in the vegetable broth and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Add Prebiotic Fiber:
About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the just better.® Prebiotic Fiber to upgrade the health benefits of your BBQ Beans.
Serve:
Once cooked, adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm as a side dish or a main dish.
Sticking to Summertime Nutrition Goals
Maintaining healthy eating habits during summer barbecues and gatherings can be a challenge, but with the right recipes, it's entirely possible. Our just better.® BBQ Baked Beans recipe is a perfect example of how you can enjoy delicious, hearty dishes without compromising on nutrition. Remember, eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or fun—it’s all about making smarter choices and living just better.®!
VISIT OUR SHOP FOR GUT HEALTH ESSENTIALS!
Passionate about living life fiber-rich? Us too!
Join our community on Facebook & Instagram and connect with more just better.® Super Fans! Want exclusive insights? Our weekly newsletter, The just better.® Scoop is dedicated to our amazing community! Each week, we bring you the best gut health tips, high-fiber recipes, and just better.® Fiber news straight to your inbox —just once a week, plus Super Fan specials. 🤫
Sign up below and stay in the loop with The just better.® Scoop!