Slow-Cooked Root Beer Baked Beans

You home will smell unbelievable while these beans “bake” in your slow cooker. The tangy-sweet aroma will waft through the air, tempting your taste buds to sneak a taste before they’re even done. And by all means, take as many taste tests as you please. Just make sure no one is looking when you do!

6 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
4 (15-ounce) cans Great Northern beans, drained
1 onion, chopped
3/4 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup root beer (not diet)
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Tapatio hot sauce, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste

Mix all the ingredients in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until desired consistency is achieved.

Yields 8 servings.

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion
1 pound ground turkey
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon Tapatio hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 (15-ounce) can white or navy beans, undrained
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
1 large beefsteak tomato, diced

In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until soft. Add the turkey; cook until fully browned. Add the garlic, cumin, oregano, hot sauce, cinnamon, beans and chilies. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the tomato, cook for another 5 minutes.

Yields about 4 servings.

1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups corn kernels
1 tomato, diced
1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
1/4 cup green onion, chopped
1 jalapeno, finely chopped
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt, to taste

Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Chill until ready to be served.

Yields about 3 cups.