Summertime Baked Beans

In preparation for July 4th, here is another recipe from our friend Ted Busch.  He used this recipe at celebrations for Father's Day and graduations - always a summertime cookout favorite!

With lots of people, and not a lot of time to cook, I usually decide to do hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats on the grill. In addition to the grilled meat,
I also got some chips, and made some easy, make ahead baked beans. Everyone loved them and wanted the recipe. It's very simple and can be made the day before and just reheated.

This recipe will feed 8-12 people (the leftovers are great!)

1 large can Bush's baked beans (original)
1 pound hamburger
1/2 pound bacon chopped
1 14oz can diced tomatoes
1 14oz canned chili beans (mild)
1 small sweet onion
1 clove crushed garlic
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup spicy brown mustard
1 heaping table spoon brown sugar
2 table spoons salsa verde
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon course ground pepper

In a large frying pan brown the bacon, be sure not to overcook. Drain off excess fat and then add crushed garlic, hamburger, and onions. Continue to cook over med-high heat until the hamberger is cooked and the onions are soft. Note you do not want to brown the meat.

Add diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, salsa, sugar, and salt & pepper. Keep stirring until it all comes to a boil. Turn off.

In a large oven baking dish add your canned baked beans and chili beans, then cover with the meat and tomato mixture. Stir it all together well and put in 350 degree oven to bake.

Cook covered for about and hour then take the cover off and cook another half hour.