Calico beans are a satisfying cross between chili, baked beans, and a sloppy joe filling. Full of a homemade barbecue-style sauce, these calico beans are meaty, tangy, salty, and deliciously perfect for any barbecue, picnic, or potluck you are heading to!

Ingredients

　　1 pound ground beef, browned and drained

　　1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

　　1 large onion, chopped

　　1/2 cup ketchup

　　1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

　　1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

　　1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

　　1 teaspoon yellow mustard

　　1 teaspoon salt

　　1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

　　1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

　　6 cups cooked mixed beans (if you like to use dried); or 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained, plus 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained

　　Combine all ingredients in a large slow cooker, and stir gently until combined. Cook on low for at least 4 hours and up to 8 hours.

　　Cooks' Note

　　If you like to use dried beans, you can make them ahead of time and freeze them in already portioned out amounts in freezer bags, making this almost as easy as opening a can for a fraction of the cost.

　　From The Make-Ahead Kitchen: 75 Slow-Cooker, Freezer, and Prepared Meals for the Busy Lifestyle © 2016 by Annalise Thomas. Reprinted with permission from Front Table Books, an imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc.Buy the full book from Amazon.