Cheesy Ground Beef, Kielbasa and Beans (Stove Top or Crock Pot)

You can use any kind of dry smoked sausage for this. To make this in a crock pot, brown the first 6 ingredients in a skillet, place in the crock pot then add all remaining ingredients, cook covered on LOW setting for about 8 to 10 hours, stir in the cheese just before serving. This makes a lot, but it tastes even better served the next day! For this recipe the longer you cook it the better it will be so make this dish when you have a bit of time.

• Ready In: 1 hr 45 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 1  lb ground beef
• 1  large onion, chopped
• 2  tablespoons  fresh minced garlic (or to taste)
• 1  large green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 -2  jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 -4  teaspoon dried red pepper flakes (optional or to taste)
• 1  lb kielbasa, thinly sliced
• 2 (10 ounce) cans  tomato soup
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 (10 ounce) can  diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 4 (16 ounce) cans pinto beans (undrained)
• 4 (15 ounce) cans  pork and beans, undrained
•  salt and pepper
•  Tabasco sauce (optional)
• 2  cups  grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. In a large pot brown the ground beef with onion, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeno pepper and dried chili flakes (if using) until the meat is browned and cooked; drain fat.
2. Add in the kielbasa sausage slices and cook for about 2 minutes.
3. Add in the all remaining ingredients.
4. Simmer covered over medium-low heat for about 1 hour stirring occasionally.
5. Uncover and simmer for another 30-35 minutes (the longer time you cook it the better it will be, you can cook it for 2 hours if desired!).
6. Season with salt, pepper and Tabasco (if using).
7. Stir in the cheese before serving.