Shelly's Recipe

SMOKEY BEEF AND BAKED BEANS - Crockpot

Category: Baked Beans

10 to 12 bacon strips
1 lb ground beef
1 large onion chopped and divided
4 large garlic cloves, minced (garlic lovers can use more)
1 tsp crushed chili flakes, or adjust to taste
2 (16 oz) cans pork and beans
1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (16 ounce) can butter beans, drained
1 cup ketchup
1/4 to 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
3 tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp liquid smoke
1 tsp seasoned salt (can use white salt)
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper, or to taste

In a skillet cook the bacon until crisp; remove to a plate cool and crumble (do not drain the fat you will drain it after cooking the beef).

Add in the beef and half of the chopped onion then cook until no longer pink; drain fat then continue cooking until the meat is browned (this may take about 10-12 minutes or more to brown the beef) add in the garlic, remaining half of the chopped onion and chili flakes the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time.

Stir in all remaining ingredients until just heated through. Transfer to crock-pot. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours. Servings 6-8

NOTES: for more heat add in a finely chopped and seeded jalapeno pepper when cooking the ground beef, half of a green bell pepper, seeded and chopped is also a great addition, you will need a 3-quart crock pot for this. This may also be cooked in the oven.