Bringalong Beans

Directions

1. 1
   Brown ground beef in large, 5 quart Dutch oven or cook pot.
2. 2
   Drain fat, and set beef aside.
3. 3
   Cut the full pound of bacon into small pieces and cook until crisp in the same pot.
4. 4
   Drain all but a tablespoon or two of bacon drippings.
5. 5
   Cook onions and garlic in the bacon drippings over medium heat until translucent.
6. 6
   Add the ground beef and bacon back in, along with the catsup or tomato paste, brown sugar, and maple syrup.
7. 7
   Stir together very well, blending all ingredients.
8. 8
   Gently fold in baked beans, and bring just to the boil.
9. 9
   Reduce heat and simmer about 45 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.
10. 10
    Serve with a green salad and crusty sourdough bread to round out a hearty meal, or makes a great bring-along to potlucks and picnics.
11. 11
    Note: This is also good with different types of beans: just add the same bean amount in a different variety, but don't drain the beans.
12. 12
    Butterbeans with red kidney and great northerns are also very good!
13. 13
    Serving sizes depend on how you're using this.
14. 14
    As a main dish, it does go a long way, which is how I listed it below.
15. 15
    Goes even further as a passed dish!