Beef and Sweet Beans

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs 93% lean ground beef
• 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped (avoid sweet onions for this)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 slices fully-cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup molasses or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 tablespoon prepared brown mustard (do NOT use yellow mustard)
• 1 (16 ounce) can boston baked pork and beans
• 1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (if using table salt, use 1/2 as much)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)

Directions

1. 1

   In a large, oven-safe skillet with a lid, over medium heat, brown beef. Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic and saute for 5 to 7 minutes until onions and peppers are soft.

2. 2

   Add bacon, ketchup, tomato sauce, molasses, mustards, pork and beans, kidney beans, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and chili powder if using. Stir well.

3. 3

   Cover and transfer to a 400F oven for 25-30 minutes. (If using biscuits on top, do NOT cover!).

4. 4

   Alternatively, after step 1, transfer the contents of the skillet to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on high for 1-2 hours or low for 3-4 hours.