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Here in the US a lot of us have a four-day weekend coming up in observation of Memorial Day.  If you're asked to bring a side dish to a barbecue, or you're looking for something different for a gathering you plan to host, this might be up your alley.  Rather than nuking a can of baked beans in the microwave and throwing them on the table, add a twist and make it all feel more "homemade" by serving this Smoky Beef 'n' Beans recipe, courtesy of the Taste of Home Slow Cooker Recipes 2007 book.  I think this beef and beans mixture sounds like something that would be hearty and filling come fall if it was served with cornbread or rice.  (And now I'm hungry again.  Is that barbecue ready yet?)

Smoky Beef 'n Beans:

What You Need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 C chopped onion
• 12 bacon strips (cooked and crumbled)
• 2 - 16 oz cans of pork and beans
• 1 - 16 oz can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 - 16 oz can of butter beans (drained)
• 1 C ketchup
• 1/4 C packed brown sugar
• 3 T white vinegar
• 1 tsp. Liquid Smoke (optional)
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper

What To Do:

• Cook beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat, until meat is no longer pink.  Drain.
• Transer to your slow cooker.
• Stir in all other ingredients, including Liquid Smoke if using.
• Cover and cook on low for 6 -7 hours (or until heated through).

So easy and it sounds just scrumptious.  I see this one being used a lot this summer!

Be sure to go grab some more slow cooker recipes from Sandra and the other bloggers participating in this week's Slow Cooking Thursday blogathon!