Ground Beef-topped Baked Beans

Description
Purchased from the Zimmerman Estate in Terrell, Texas in 1967.
 * Contributed by Cat's Recipes Y-Group

Ingredients

 * 1 pound ground sirloin
 * ⅓ pound smoked bacon
 * 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
 * 1 cup white onions, chopped
 * 8 ounces tomato sauce
 * 2 teaspoons mustard
 * 4 tablespoons liquid hickory smoke
 * 1 cup water
 * 4 tablespoons white vinegar
 * 2 teaspoons minced garlic
 * 1 teaspoon thyme
 * ¾ cup brown sugar
 * 4 cans pork and beans
 * 1 teaspoon salt
 * 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

 * 1) Cook ground sirloin and bacon in large skillet.
 * 2) Add green pepper and onion.
 * 3) Saute until beef is brown and vegetables are limp.
 * 4) Stir in the tomato sauce, water, vinegar, garlic, mustard, thyme, brown sugar, liquid hickory smoke, salt and pepper.
 * 5) Simmer together 5 minutes.
 * 6) Turn beans into a greased baking dish.
 * 7) Spoon meat mixture over top.
 * 8) Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.