FLAVORING PINTO BEANS RECIPES

Steps:

• Add beans (with seasoning packet) and water to a large crock pot then cook for 4-6 hours on high or until beans are tender.
• Meanwhile, cook onions with ground beef until beef is cooked through, seasoning with salt and pepper then set aside.
• Cut bacon into small strips then cook until crispy and browned. Remove bacon from pan drippings then set aside.
• Cut smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces then set aside.
• Once beans are tender, ladle out any excess liquid; set aside to use later if needed. Add salt and pepper to taste, barbeque sauce and remaining ingredients, including the ground beef, bacon and smoked sausage. Gently stir to combine.
• Add reserved liquid from cooking the beans, 1/2 cup at a time, if needed to ensure the contents of the crock pot have a nice, thick sauce. You don’t want things to be runny but you do want to make sure there’s enough sauce to coat everything nicely (such as with baked beans).
• Continue cooking 1-2 hours on high or until sausage is heated through and everything is hot and bubbly.

Steps:

• In a large pot, fill water half full, add broth, wine, all the vegetables, ham bone, and herbs.
• Sprinkle to taste with salt and pepper.
• Cook until all vegetables are tender. 
• Add cooked beans, cook 1/2 hour more. 
• If in need add more water or chicken broth.
• Remove ham off the bone and add back to the pot.
• Serve with crusty Italian bread broken up in the bowl... or just dunk it!