One Pot Dinner(Crock-Pot)
A hearty one-pot crock-pot dish combining savory ground beef, bacon, and a flavorful mix of beans and seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 to 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. bacon, cut in small pieces ⓘ
- 1 c. onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans pork and beans
- 1 lb. kidney beans or red beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 lb. butter limas, drained ⓘ
- 1 c. ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. liquid smoke ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. white vinegar or wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain off fat.
- Put beef in the crock-pot.
- Brown bacon and onions; drain off fat.
- Add bacon and onions to the crock-pot.
- Add pork and beans, kidney beans, lima beans, ketchup, brown sugar, liquid smoke, vinegar, salt, and pepper to the crock-pot.
- Stir and cover.
- Cook on low for 4 to 9 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. You can also substitute turkey for a leaner option. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon can save you some hassle. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your preference. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes that are hearty and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this one-pot dinner with a side of cornbread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside the Spicy Beef Rice Casserole for a hearty family feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of One Pot Dinner(Crock-Pot) contains roughly 641 calories, with 8g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 462mg per serving (20% 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 other types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While kidney beans and butter limas are traditional, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or any other beans you enjoy. Just remember to drain and rinse them before adding to the crock-pot for the best flavor and consistency.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute and omit the bacon. You can enhance the flavor by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky taste. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of meat-based products.
What can I serve with this dish?
This hearty one-pot dinner pairs well with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or even over rice for a filling meal. For something different, try it with macaroni and cheese, which complements the flavors nicely, or serve it as a side to the Cheeseburger 'N' Fries Casserole for a fun dinner spread.
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).