Baked Beans with Ground Beef is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, making it a beloved dish for family gatherings, potlucks, and weeknight dinners. This hearty dish brings together tender baked beans, rich ground beef, and a blend of seasonings that create an irresistible depth of flavor. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few pantry staples and minimal effort. The slow baking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Plus, it’s highly customizable—you can make it spicy, smoky, or even vegetarian by swapping out the meat. If you’re looking for a comforting, protein-packed meal that’s full of bold flavors, this recipe is a must-try!
Table of contents
Recipe Card
Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Cuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes35
minutes320
kcalA rich and flavorful dish combining baked beans and seasoned ground beef, topped with a sweet and tangy sauce. This baked beans recipe with ground beef is perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well.
- Add the cooked beef and onions to the mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Bake
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
- Serve
- Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Canned baked beans in tomato or maple sauce work well for added flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Perfect Flavor Balance
The sweetness of brown sugar and molasses contrasts beautifully with the smoky and savory depth of bacon and ground beef. A hint of mustard and Worcestershire sauce rounds out the flavor, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.
2. Simple and Quick to Make
With a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it took all day to prepare. Most of the cooking process involves baking, so you can set it in the oven and let the magic happen.
3. Customizable to Your Taste
Prefer it spicier? Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Want a smoky flavor? Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder. Need a vegetarian version? Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or mushrooms.
4. A Versatile Dish
Baked Beans with Ground Beef can be served as a hearty side dish alongside barbecue, grilled meats, or cornbread. It also works as a filling main course when paired with rice or crusty bread.
Additional Tips for a perfect Baked Beans with Ground Beef Recipe
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, then consider adding finely chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to your baked beans with ground beef recipe. Alternatively, a dash of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce can provide the perfect level of spiciness, catering to those who enjoy bold flavors.
- Vegetable Boost: To enhance the dish, incorporate vegetables like diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. Not only do these additions add flavor, but they also boost the nutritional value. Furthermore, for extra greens, you might toss in spinach or kale while cooking the beef. Consequently, these veggies complement the hearty beans, making this recipe even healthier.
- Cheesy Twist: For a gooey, melty layer, add shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top before baking. Additionally, for a richer and more flavorful twist, you can use smoked Gouda or sharp cheddar. These variations bring a deeper, more sophisticated taste to this recipe for baked beans with ground beef.
- Crispy Topping: To elevate your dish, consider adding a crunchy topping. For instance, crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs can provide a delightful contrast in texture. Moreover, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese combined with breadcrumbs will add a golden, savory crunch to your recipe.
- Sweeten the Deal: If you prefer a sweeter dish, you might mix in maple syrup, honey, or a bit of barbecue sauce. This addition gives the beans a deeper, caramelized flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the savory beef.
- Make it Smoky: To infuse smokiness, try adding smoked paprika or a small amount of liquid smoke. Alternatively, incorporating smoked sausage or ham can enhance the smoky depth, making this baked beans recipe with ground beef even more flavorful.
Variations
1. Spicy Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
2. BBQ Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Swap the ketchup for barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
3. Vegetarian Baked Beans
Replace ground beef with mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.
4. Slow Cooker Method
Instead of baking, cook everything in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours for an even deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with cornbread for a classic Southern-style meal.
- Serve alongside grilled meats like ribs, chicken, or brisket.
- Enjoy with a side of coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQ
Yes, canned baked beans work great and save time. Just add them to the dish along with the ground beef and other seasonings to enhance the flavor.
Use lean ground beef (85% lean or higher) to avoid excess grease in the dish. If you’re using regular ground beef, you may want to drain the fat after browning it.
Absolutely! Baked beans with ground beef taste even better the next day. Prepare the dish, store it in the fridge, and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop when ready to serve.
… and to conclude
This recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights. With minimal preparation and simple ingredients, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying dish on the table in no time. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky goodness.
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