"One Pot" Dinner(Makes A Big Hit ... Especially With The Men.)
A hearty, flavorful one-pot dinner combining bacon, ground beef, beans, and tangy seasonings, perfect for satisfying family meals or casual gatherings with robust flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 to 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. bacon, cut in small pieces ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 (1 lb. 15 oz.) cans pork and beans
- 1 (1 lb.) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 (1 lb.) can butter limas, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain off fat and transfer to crock-pot.
- Brown bacon and chopped onions; drain off fat.
- Add bacon, onions, remaining ingredients, and seasonings to the crock-pot.
- Stir everything together well.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and pork. If you prefer a smokier taste, try adding more liquid smoke or incorporating smoked sausage. You can also substitute the bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter option. To add some heat, toss in jalapeños or hot sauce. Experiment with different beans or even add some corn for sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is perfect on its own but can be served with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad for balance. It pairs beautifully with Pineapple Barbecued Beans for a sweet contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a light coleslaw or pickles to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in individual portions.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "One Pot" Dinner(Makes A Big Hit ... Especially With The Men.) contains roughly 399 calories, with 6g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 491mg per serving (21% 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 meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you're feeling adventurous, try using Italian sausage or chorizo for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially if using a different meat type.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the meat and bacon. Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or simply add more beans and vegetables. Consider adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can prepare it a day ahead and let the flavors meld in the fridge overnight. Simply reheat it before serving. It's also perfect for batch cooking and can be frozen in portions, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
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).