Drop cheap frozen beef franks into canned baked beans, along with 2 other ingredients, into slow cooker for a hearty meal that's my default when I don't know what to make

This is my ultimate default dinner for nights when I stare into the fridge and feel zero inspiration: slow cooker 4-ingredient poor man’s beans and franks. It’s exactly what it sounds like—cheap frozen beef franks dropped straight into canned baked beans with just two more pantry staples, then left to bubble away in the slow cooker. I started making this in my early 20s when my budget was tight and my schedule was even tighter, and it’s stuck around because it’s filling, kid-friendly, and requires almost no effort or dishes. You literally toss everything into the slow cooker, turn it on, and a few hours later you’ve got a hearty, cozy meal that tastes like something your grandma might’ve made on a busy weeknight.

I usually ladle these beans and franks into bowls and serve them with buttered toast, cornbread, or whatever bread is hanging around the kitchen. They’re also great spooned over rice, baked potatoes, or even hot dog buns if you want to stretch the meal. A simple green salad, carrot sticks, or steamed frozen veggies on the side helps balance the richness. If you like a little heat, add hot sauce or crushed red pepper at the table so everyone can customize their own bowl.

Servings: 4

2 (28-ounce) cans baked beans in sauce

Pour the canned baked beans into the slow cooker, scraping out the cans with a spatula or spoon so you get all the sauce.

Stir in the ketchup and yellow mustard until the sauce looks evenly combined with the beans.

Take the cheap frozen beef franks straight from the freezer and drop them into the saucy beans in the slow cooker. You can leave them whole or cut them into chunks if you prefer smaller bites, but keep them frozen either way.

Gently press the franks down with a spoon so they’re mostly submerged in the beans. It’s fine if a few ends are sticking out.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the franks are heated through to the center and the beans are hot and bubbly.

Once cooked, give everything a good stir so the franks are coated in the sauce and any that were sitting on top get mixed in. Taste and adjust with a little extra ketchup or mustard if you like.

Serve the beans and franks hot in bowls, making sure everyone gets a good mix of beans and sliced or whole franks.

To bulk this up, you can add 1/2 cup of chopped onion or green bell pepper on top of the beans before dropping in the frozen franks, though that technically adds more ingredients. For a sweeter version, stir 1–2 tablespoons of brown sugar into the beans along with the ketchup and mustard. If you like smoky flavor, add a few dashes of liquid smoke or use a smoky barbecue-style baked bean. You can also swap yellow mustard for Dijon or spicy brown for a little extra tang. For a slightly lighter take, use turkey franks instead of beef, but keep them frozen when you drop them in so the process stays the same. Food safety tips: Make sure your slow cooker is in good working order and always cook this recipe on LOW or HIGH as directed until the beans are piping hot and the franks are heated all the way through—frozen hot dogs are fully cooked when purchased, but they still need to reach at least 165°F in the center for safety and best texture. Avoid using the “keep warm” setting to cook from frozen; it’s only for holding hot food. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in shallow containers and eat within 3–4 days, reheating until steaming hot before serving.