Farmhand Beans

When I was growing up my mother would say that someone with a hearty appetite ate like a farmhand—meaning they had worked up an appetite by doing hard work. That name is appropriate for this dish, because it will satisfy the hungriest people you know.

4 slices bacon, diced

½ pound ground beef

¼ cup chopped onion

½ pound Polish sausage, cut into ¼-inch-thick slices

1 (15-ounce) can pork and beans

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained

½ cup ketchup

¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons molasses

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons prepared mustard

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon ground cumin

In a large skillet fry the bacon until brown and crisp. Drain and set aside. Discard the bacon drippings. Using the same skillet, brown the ground beef and onion. Add the Polish sausage and brown lightly. In a large saucepan, combine the pork and beans, black beans, ketchup, brown sugar, and molasses and mix well. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, and cumin. Add the beef mixture and bacon to the bean mixture. Simmer for 30 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Makes 10 servings.