One Pot Dinner (Slow Cooker)
A hearty, smoky slow cooker dish combining beans, bacon, and ground beef, perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Place the cooked ground beef into the slow cooker.
- Brown the bacon and chopped onions together in a skillet.
- Drain the fat from the bacon and onions.
- Add the bacon and onions to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients.
- Cook on low heat for 4 to 9 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and turkey. You can also swap out kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans based on preference. If you want a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. The liquid smoke gives a great smoky flavor, but can be omitted if you prefer a milder dish. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty one pot dinner with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with sides like coleslaw or cornbread. For a fun twist, try serving it with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top. You can also explore other American recipes like Chili Mac(A Pluma Bennett Favorite) for more comforting options.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. This dish also freezes well; store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of One Pot Dinner (Slow Cooker) contains roughly 1553 calories, with 9g protein, 280g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the kidney beans or lima beans with any beans you prefer, such as black beans or garbanzo beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned beans properly before adding them to the slow cooker.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat and replace the bacon with smoked tempeh or omit it altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain a rich flavor.
Can I cook this dish on high heat instead of low?
Yes, you can cook this dish on high heat for about 2 to 4 hours. However, cooking on low allows the flavors to meld better and results in a richer taste. Adjust the time based on how quickly you need the dish ready.
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).