Best in the West Beans

Submitted by Laura Stepanick

From Chef Laura: This recipe is a PA family gathering favorite, so I'm not sure why they're called "Best in the West" baked beans!

2 (8oz) can baked beans (i.e., Bush's Original)

1 (15oz) can butter beans

1 (15oz) can kidney beans

1 /2 lb ground beef

10 slices of bacon

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup barbecue sauce

1/2 tsp pepper

2 tbl yellow mustard

2 tbl molasses

1. Drain and rinse kidney beans and butter beans.

2. Cook the ground beef and onion (chopped) on stovetop.

3. Cook or bake bacon and tear into bite-sized pieces.

4. Combine all ingredients in either a baking dish or a slow cooker.

4a. Baking dish: bake covered at 350 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

4b. Slow cooker, can maintain on low setting for hours, with occasional stirring; allow 1-2 hours for melding of flavors on low setting.

Chef Tip: Recipe doubled yield sapproximately 10 cups and fits in a 4.5q slow cooker.