Crockpot Three-Meat Baked Beans

A hearty slow cooker baked bean recipe made with ground beef, sausage, bacon, and a sweet-savory sauce. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and easy family meals.

Ingredients

1/2-1 pound lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion diced
3/4 cup cooked chopped bacon pieces (or 12oz. pkg cooked and chopped)
1/2 cup green onions diced
1/4-1/2 cup green pepper finely diced
1/2 pound smoked sausage sliced
1 can kidney beans rinsed and drained
1 can pork and beans
1 can northern beans drained
1 can black eyed peas (or another kind of bean, lima?), drained drained
1 cup ketchup or sweet chili sauce
1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
1 Tablespoon liquid smoke
3 Tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon worcestershire sauce

Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease.
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a greased crockpot.
Add the bacon, green onions, green pepper, smoked sausage, and all beans to the crockpot.
Stir in ketchup (or chili sauce), honey or brown sugar, liquid smoke, vinegar, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.
Serve warm as a main dish or hearty side.

Notes

This dish thickens as it cooks; stir once or twice during cooking if you can.
Chili sauce can be used in place of ketchup for a slightly bolder flavor.
Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.
This recipe works well for potlucks, picnics, and large family gatherings.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey or brown sugar slightly.