Cowboy Beans With Ground Beef

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 pound lean bacon
1 pound ground beef, lean, at least 85%
1 large onion, chopped
1/4 cup green pepper, diced
1 can pork and' beans, 16 oz
1 can red kidney beans, 16 oz
1 can butter beans, 16 oz
1 can baby lima beans, 8 oz
1 can great northern beans, 16 oz
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup molasses or maple syrup
1 jar barbecue sauce (or use homemade barbecue sauce)
1/2 teaspoon pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1.Cut the bacon into small pieces; brown in a large skillet. Remove bacon from the rendered fat and set aside.

2.In the bacon drippings, sauté the onion and bell pepper until tender.

3.Add the ground beef and brown lightly. Put the meats into the bottom of a crockpot. Add the can of pork and beans.

4.Drain most of the liquids from the remaining cans of beans and add them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Mix well to blend.

5.Cook on HIGH setting for 1 hour, and then set to LOW and continue cooking for 5 to 6 hours. Stir occasionally.

6.Check for seasonings and correct if desired, with a little salt and pepper, or more brown sugar or syrup.