Crock-Pot Special
A hearty, flavorful crock-pot dish combining ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting family meal. Its savory taste and easy preparation make it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a satisfying mix of textures and flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chopped onion and ground chuck or hamburger in a skillet.
- Brown the meat and drain any excess fat.
- In a 5-quart crock-pot, combine the cooked meat, diced Ro-Tel tomatoes, drained pinto beans, drained red kidney beans, drained Great Northern beans, drained string beans, and pork and beans.
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Cook on slow for about 4 hours.
- Serve with corn bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner substitute for ground chuck. You can also experiment with different beans, such as black beans or chickpeas, to create your own variation. If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Crock-Pot Special with a side of warm corn bread for a hearty meal. This dish is perfect for gatherings and pairs beautifully with other comfort food recipes like Beans And Hot Dogs. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple garden salad or coleslaw on the side to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Special contains roughly 935 calories, with 26g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (52% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 729mg per serving (32% 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 fresh beans instead of canned beans?
Yes, you can use fresh beans, but they will require soaking and longer cooking times. If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them separately until tender before adding to the crock-pot. This ensures they cook evenly and don't turn mushy during the slow cooking process.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the ground meat and replace it with additional beans or vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also add lentils for extra protein. The spices and tomatoes will still provide great flavor.
Can I make this recipe in a traditional pot instead of a crock-pot?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a traditional pot. Simply brown the meat and sauté the onions in the pot, then add all other ingredients. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until all ingredients are heated through and flavors meld.
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).