this recipe captures the essence of a classic summer gathering in a convenient and delicious slow-cooked dish. Bringing together the savory goodness of ground beef and hot dogs with the sweetness of baked beans, this meal is elevated with a flavorful blend of ketchup, BBQ sauce, and mustard. The result is a hearty and comforting mixture that embodies the nostalgic taste of a summer cookout.
Browning the meat before slow-cooking adds depth to the flavors, while the addition of shredded cheese just before serving provides a gooey, indulgent finish. The customizable nature of this recipe allows you to choose your favorite brands and adjust condiments to suit your taste preferences. Serve this delightful creation with a side of potato chips for that unmistakable cookout feel.
Perfect for laid-back gatherings, family meals, or any occasion where you crave the flavors of summer, the Crockpot Summer Cookout is a hassle-free way to enjoy the classic combination of burgers, hot dogs, and baked beans. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a taste of summer, this dish is sure to satisfy and transport you to the carefree days of outdoor gatherings and delicious cookout fare.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 pack hot dogs
- 2 large cans baked beans
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- Mustard (to taste)
- Cheese, shredded
- Potato chips (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare Meat:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Slice the hot dogs into circles and brown them in the same skillet.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot:
- In the Crockpot, combine the browned ground beef, sliced hot dogs, diced onion, baked beans, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and mustard. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Cooking Time:
- Heat the mixture on high or low in the Crockpot until it’s thoroughly hot. This can take a couple of hours.
- Cheese Topping:
- Just before serving, sprinkle shredded cheese on the top of the mixture in the Crockpot. The residual heat will melt the cheese.
- Serve:
- Serve the Crockpot Summer Cookout mixture with a side of potato chips for that classic cookout feel.
- Enjoy:
- Dive into this delicious summer cookout dish that combines the savory goodness of beef and hot dogs with the sweetness of baked beans and the tangy kick of ketchup, BBQ sauce, and mustard.
Notes:
- Brand and Flavor Options:
- You can customize the recipe by choosing your favorite brands and flavors for hot dogs, baked beans, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and mustard.
- Adjust Serving Size:
- Increase the amounts as needed to serve a larger crowd.
- Personalization:
- Feel free to personalize the dish with additional toppings such as diced tomatoes, green onions, or jalapeños.
How to store Crockpot Summer Cookout
Storing the Crockpot Summer Cookout for later enjoyment is simple. Here’s a guide on how to store it properly:
Short-Term Storage (Refrigeration):
- Cooling:
- Allow the Crockpot Summer Cookout to cool to room temperature after cooking.
- Portioning:
- If desired, portion the leftovers into smaller airtight containers for easy reheating.
- Airtight Container:
- Transfer the cookout mixture and any remaining sauce into an airtight container.
- Refrigerate:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Long-Term Storage (Freezing):
- Cooling:
- Allow the Crockpot Summer Cookout to cool to room temperature.
- Portioning:
- If possible, divide the leftovers into single servings or family-sized portions.
- Freezer-Safe Container:
- Place the cookout mixture and sauce in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Labeling:
- Label the container with the date of preparation for reference.
- Freeze:
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for the best quality.
Reheating:
- Refrigerated Leftovers:
- Reheat refrigerated leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until thoroughly warmed.
- Frozen Leftovers:
- Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat using the microwave or stovetop until warmed through.
Tips:
- Sauce Separation: It’s normal for the sauce to thicken in the refrigerator. You can add a splash of water or beef broth when reheating to restore the desired consistency.
- Meat Quality: While freezing, consider freezing the cookout mixture with the sauce to help maintain moisture and flavor.
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Labeling: Clearly label containers with the date to keep track of storage times.
