"One Pot" Dinner In Crock-Pot(Especially For Men)
A hearty one-pot Crock-Pot dinner with savory ground meat, beans, and smoky flavors, perfect for a satisfying, easy-to-make meal for men or the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1/2 to 1 lb. ground beef or turkey ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 (1 lb. 15 oz.) cans pork and beans
- 1 can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can green butter beans, drained
- 1 c. ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 c. brown sugar, firmly packed ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. liquid smoke ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet and transfer it to the Crock-Pot.
- Brown the chopped onions slightly in the skillet.
- Add the crumbled cooked bacon, onions, and remaining ingredients to the Crock-Pot.
- Mix everything well.
- Cover and cook on high until heated through.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook for 4 to 9 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and turkey. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon can speed up prep. You can also substitute the beans with any variety you prefer, like black beans or chickpeas for a different taste. Liquid smoke can be adjusted to your preference for smokiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with Yummy Beans for a complete meal. For an extra kick, top with shredded cheese or jalapeños before serving. This dish is perfect for game day or a casual dinner with friends.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in individual portions or warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. This dish also freezes well for longer storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "One Pot" Dinner In Crock-Pot(Especially For Men) contains roughly 355 calories, with 8g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 546mg per serving (24% 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 different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef or turkey with chicken or even use a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian option. Just ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly, especially if using chicken.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce in the mix. You can also spice up the dish by using spicy bacon or adding chili powder to the recipe for an extra kick.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Yes, you can make it healthier by using lean ground turkey and reducing the amount of bacon. Additionally, using low-sugar ketchup and opting for no-sugar-added beans can significantly reduce calories while still maintaining flavor.
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).