Three-Bean Baked Beans (Oven or Crock Pot)

This is my summer time dish for all BBQ's and I always double the recipe. If you enjoy baked beans you have to try this one. It's from a '98 TOH and whenever I make it someone always asks for the recipe. I have personally never made it in the oven since the crock pot does just fine and who wants to heat up the house in the summer? When using the crock pot I will take the lid off for the last hour or so (+/-) of cooking - this will thicken it up if you like your beans thick right at serving. Leftovers freeze very well.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb ground beef
• 5  slices bacon, diced
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped onion
• 2 (16 ounce) cans  pork and beans, undrained
• 1 (16 ounce) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1⁄3 cup  packed brown sugar
• 1⁄4 cup white sugar
• 1⁄4 cup catsup
• 1⁄4 cup barbecue sauce (I use KC Masterpiece original or hickory)
• 2  tablespoons molasses
• 2  tablespoons prepared mustard
• 1⁄2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. In a large skillet over med.
2. heat, brown beef, bacon and onion; drain.
3. Add beans.
4. Combine remaining ingredients and stir into bean mixture.
5. Pour into a greased 2 1/2 qt baking dish.
6. Bake uncovered at 350° for 1 hour or until beans reach desired thickness.
7. OR place in greased crock pot and heat on low for 4 hours or so.