Recipe: Block Party Beans

Someone in my family found this recipe for Block Party Beans years ago, and it's been a winner ever since. My Aunt Colleen always makes this for the big family reunion around the Fourth of July.

This makes a big, big dish of beans! It's definitely enough for a yard full of hungry guests at any summer picnic and BBQ.

The flavor is a unique combination of something between old fashioned, slow-cooked baked beans and chili. Don't be put off by all the canned goods - it works!

Like chili, you can make it a day or two ahead of time. The only problem I've every experienced is finding a really big spot in the refrigerator for it!

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend.

Block Party Beans
Serves a crowd.

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups onions, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 can (16 ounces) green beans (not french-style), drained
• 1 can (17 ounces) lima beans, drained
• 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) yellow wax beans, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) chili beans (pinto beans with chilies - Mexican section), undrained
• 1 can (16 ounces) pork & beans, undrained
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

In a very large pot, brown turkey and beef, drain off fat. Add onions and celery, and cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in tomato soup, tomato paste and ketchup. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

Add all remaining ingredients, stir well. Cover and simmer on very low heat for an hour, stirring occasionally. Don't let it burn.

This serves about 15-20 people as a side dish. If you need more, you can always add a can or two extra of the veggies or beans.