Beans In Crock-Pot
Hearty and flavorful beans cooked in a crock-pot with ground beef, bacon, and a sweet-savory sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. bacon, cut in pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vinegar ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can green beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can butter beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pork and beans, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown and drain the ground beef and bacon.
- Add all ingredients to the crock-pot.
- Cook on low for 5 hours or more, until flavors meld and beans are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use different bean varieties like black beans or pinto beans. To enhance the sweetness, try using maple syrup in place of sugar. Make sure to drain the beans well to avoid excess liquid in the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beans alongside cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. They also pair well with coleslaw for a refreshing crunch. For a complete dinner, consider serving with grilled meats or a side salad. This dish is great for potlucks or game days, making it a versatile choice.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pour them into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave single servings in a covered bowl, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beans In Crock-Pot contains roughly 1199 calories, with 27g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 96g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (54% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1544mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you'll need to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the crock-pot to avoid undercooked beans in the final dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef and bacon with plant-based alternatives like lentils or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based ingredients to keep the dish flavorful while making it vegetarian-friendly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also stir in some hot sauce before serving to give it an extra kick. This can balance well with the sweetness of the sugars used.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).