Dr Pepper Baked Beans

It's time to fire up the grill and what better to have as a side than baked beans.  I made these using Dr Pepper for an unique flavor that works well with all the ingredients.  I used the crock pot but you can make it in the oven also.

Dr Pepper Baked Beans

1# extra lean ground beef
5 slices bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled
1/4 cup onions, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 cup Dr Pepper
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp mustard powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 15 oz can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 15 oz can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 16 oz can light red kidney beans

Cook the ground beef.  When it's almost done, add in onions and garlic.  Finish cooking and place in crock pot with beans.  Stir in spices, brown sugar, molasses and Dr Pepper.  Cook for 4 hours over medium heat.