One Pot Dinner (Crockpot)
A hearty, savory one-pot meal packed with beans, bacon, and ground beef, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy weeknight cooking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat, then transfer it to the crockpot.
- Cook the bacon and onions in a skillet until browned, then drain and add to the crockpot.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the crockpot.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 9 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, try using a leaner ground beef to reduce excess fat. You can substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want more depth of flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or garlic to the mix. For a sweeter touch, maple syrup can replace brown sugar. This dish works well for meal prep, as the flavors deepen over time.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty one-pot dinner pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. You could also serve it alongside cornbread for a comforting touch. For a fun twist, top each serving with shredded cheese or chopped green onions. Explore more American recipes for delightful meal ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. You can also freeze portions for up to three months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of One Pot Dinner (Crockpot) contains roughly 896 calories, with 31g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (128% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (99% of the Daily Value), and protein (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 947mg per serving (41% 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 dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and omitting the bacon. You might want to add more beans or vegetables to maintain the texture and heartiness. Adjust the seasonings to enhance the flavors of the vegetables.
What can I use instead of pork and beans?
If you don’t have pork and beans, you can use any other type of baked beans or even a mix of pinto beans and black beans for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to keep the dish balanced.
How can I adjust the cooking time?
The cooking time can vary based on your crockpot model. If you are short on time, cooking on high for 2-4 hours is an option, but for the best flavor, the low setting for 4-9 hours is recommended. Always check for doneness before serving.
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).