Monday- slow cooker calico beans, make ahead sloppy joes

Today I'm making Calico Baked Beans, and making a batch of Sloppy Joe mix ahead for lunches next week

Ingredients Italics indicate pantry items

• 1 bag 15 bean mix
• 3c ham stock (home made, frozen)
• 1 can baked beans (I use Bushes with onions, the lg can)
• 2lb browned ground beef, seasoned with onions, salt and pepper
• 2T yellow mustard
• 1/4 c molasses or sorghum
• 1 can tomato paste
• 2 T paprika
• salt and pepper to taste
• 6 strips of bacon crumbled

 
Soak beans in 1-2 qt cold water overnight OR follow quick soak directions on the package.  Like bread, my beans more than doubled in size!
Rinse in clear water,and add to crockpot, add baked beans, beef,and ham stock. In a small bowl, place mustard, tomato paste, molasses, salt pepper and paprika.  Mix well, and add tocorock. Stir to combine, cover and cook on high 4 hours or low 8 (works best).  Serve with cornbread. I'm cheating and using a Betty Crocker mix. It always comes out better than mine.