Hunter'S "One Pot" Dinner
A hearty one-pot dinner combining savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and a flavorful mix of beans and barbecue flavors, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 to 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. bacon, cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 (31 oz.) cans pork and beans
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can lima beans, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat, and transfer to a crock-pot.
- Cook the bacon until crispy and brown the onion in the bacon drippings.
- Drain the bacon and onions, then add them to the crock-pot with the beef.
- Add the canned pork and beans, kidney beans, lima beans, catsup, brown sugar, liquid smoke, white vinegar, salt, and pepper to the crock-pot.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 9 hours, until flavors meld and dish is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For this Hunter's One Pot Dinner, consider using turkey bacon for a leaner option or substituting ground turkey for beef. You can also add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to enhance the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with a light, tangy coleslaw. For a complete meal, consider offering a selection of pickles on the side. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be easily doubled for larger crowds.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes or until hot, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hunter'S "One Pot" Dinner contains roughly 542 calories, with 8g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 735mg 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this Hunter's One Pot Dinner by substituting ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative and using vegetarian bacon. Replace the pork and beans with additional kidney beans and lima beans for a hearty texture.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
What can I serve with this dish?
This one-pot dinner is filling and flavorful on its own, but it pairs nicely with sides like rice or baked potatoes. You could also serve it alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.
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).