BBQ Beef and Beans

This hearty and wholesome recipe is sure to fill tummies! It's a versatile recipe, so feel free to serve it any way you like.

Ingredients:

1/2-1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
1 large or 2 small onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3-5 cups cooked beans, any type*
1/2 cup ketchup or tomato sauce**
6 Tbsp. brown sugar***
6 Tbsp. cider vinegar
2 Tbsp. prepared mustard
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

In a large skillet, brown beef, onions, and garlic. Drain grease. Add beans and remaining ingredients; simmer 10-20 minutes to combine flavors, stirring occasionally.

Crock Pot Option: After browning beef and onions, combine all ingredients in the Crock Pot and let cook on low for at least 3-4 hours.

*If desired, omit the beef and increase beans to 6-8 cups.
** To make your own tomato sauce, combine 2-4 Tbsp. tomato paste and dilute with water to make 1/2 cup.
***If your family is refined- or sugar-free, use a combination of honey and/or molasses.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve in hamburger buns as Sloppy Joes;
• Serve over steamed rice;
• Serve over baked potatoes with various toppings, such as grated cheese, grated carrots, chopped bell peppers and green onions, with sour cream or plain yogurt, or chopped or grated apples;
• Serve over cornbread.

Submitted by Jen