This is the stuff that summer time meals are made of. Now I'm not looking forward to the summer here in AZ as the temperatures can reach well into the 100's but I am enjoying this beautiful spring, high 70's weather we have been basking in this week. This is the kind of weather I dream of for the perfect summer. Grilling is such a fun way to cook. I like the fact that my stove top stays nice a clean and we can enjoy that delicious taste that only a grill can impart. If I am going to grill hamburgers I just have to make baked beans to go along. It wouldn't be the same without them. These beans are so good. In fact I am begging you to go make them and see the reaction of those that you serve them to. They are like a meal in themselves meaning that you could make these with maybe a side of cornbread and dinner would be ready. Oh, did I forget to mention that they are made in the crockpot? This makes for simple prep and an easy dinner to have waiting when you get home at the end of the day. I healthified this recipe a bit from the original. I used ground turkey and turkey bacon and think that it turned out just a good, dare I say better.


Old Settlers Beans

1 lb ground meat (I used turkey)
1/2 lb bacon (I used turkey)
1 onion chopped
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup white sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 15 oz can kidney beans (drained)
1 29 oz can pork & beans (do not drain)
1 15 oz can butter beans (do not drain)

Brown and saute the ground meat, bacon, and onion. Transfer to the crockpot. In a bowl mix the sugars, ketchup, BBQ sauce, dry mustard, chili powder, and pepper. Add to the crockpot with the meat mixture and stir to combine. Add all the beans and mix to combine. Cook on high for 4 hours. You could also cook on low all day if you prefer.

Linked to Mom's Crazy Cooking