Bean Bake Casserole

You can use half ground beef and half ground pork for this, and instead of using 2 cups of beans, just use 1 can of each, drained. I would think that this recipe could also be made in a slow cooker as well as in the oven, just increase cooking time if making in a slow cooker. Also the complete recipe may be doubled if desired --- this is VERY good! :)

• Ready In: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1  onion, chopped
• 1  stalk celery, finely chopped
• 1 -2  tablespoon  minced fresh garlic
• 1  green bell pepper, chopped
• 7 -10  slices bacon
• 2  tablespoons molasses
• 3  tablespoons brown sugar
• 1  teaspoon dry mustard
• 1⁄3 cup white vinegar
• 1 (19 ounce) can tomatoes, with juice
• 1⁄4 cup chili sauce (can use ketchup in place of the chili sauce)
• 2  cups kidney beans
• 2  cups lima beans
• 1 (14 ounce) can  pork and beans
• 2  teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
•  Tabasco sauce
•  salt and pepper
• 2 -3  cups  grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Set oven to 325 degrees.
2. Grease a large casserole dish (large enough to hold the mixture).
3. In a Dutch oven or large frypan. fry the bacon until crisp, then crumble.
4. Add in the ground beef with garlic, onion and celery; brown then drain fat.
5. Add in all remaining ingredients; mix well to combine, adjusting salt, pepper and Tabasco to suit taste.
6. Slightly mash the tomatoes with a fork.
7. Transfer to casserole dish.
8. Bake uncovered for about 1-1/2 hours.
9. Remove from oven and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese, return to oven for another 30 minutes.