Hearty Baked Beans with Ground Beef

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that blends sweet and savory flavors with meaty satisfaction, baked beans with ground beef is your go-to recipe. This classic dish, often served at barbecues, potlucks, and family dinners, combines the richness of ground beef with the tangy sweetness of baked beans. What you get is a warm, flavorful, and easy-to-make casserole-style meal that’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or an irresistible side dish, this recipe is packed with protein, customizable ingredients, and deep flavor. The beauty of baked beans with ground beef is in its simplicity you don’t need fancy ingredients or culinary expertise, just a skillet, a baking dish, and some pantry staples.

Let’s dig into this savory favorite that fills your home with delicious aromas and your table with smiles.

🧰 Recipe Preparation Equipment

Before starting the cooking process, gather the following tools and kitchen gadgets:

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar casserole dish)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts
• Aluminum foil (optional)

🧂 What Do You Need to Prepare Baked Beans with Ground Beef?

Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients for a generous batch. You can always scale up or down depending on your needs:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds (680 g) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 (28-ounce) cans of baked beans
• ½ cup barbecue sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)

Optional Add-ins:

• Cooked bacon bits
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Jalapeños for heat
• Dash of hot sauce
• Green onions or parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 How to Make Baked Beans with Ground Beef Step-by-Step?

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil (if needed) and ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté until soft—about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with baked beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Stir until everything is well mixed and evenly coated.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. If using cheese or bacon bits, sprinkle them on top. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and slightly caramelized on the top.

🌀 Variations

Baked beans with ground beef is a super versatile dish. You can tailor it to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or the ingredients you have on hand:

• Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for a spicy version.
• Vegetable Add-in: Toss in corn kernels, diced carrots, or even zucchini to bulk up the nutrients.
• Bacon Lovers: Stir in cooked bacon pieces for a smoky, rich flavor perfect for BBQs.
• Cheesy Casserole: Mix shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the dish and melt it on top.
• Tex-Mex Style: Replace barbecue sauce with taco seasoning and add black beans, cumin, and a squeeze of lime for a southwestern flair.
• Slow Cooker Version: Combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours.

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s a blank canvas for flavors. Make it sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy your call!

🍳 Cooking Note

This recipe balances sweet and savory elements beautifully. Using canned baked beans adds depth and convenience, but feel free to use homemade beans if you prefer. The Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar add rich umami and sweetness, while mustard and ketchup keep things tangy and classic.

If you want a thicker texture, reduce the barbecue and ketchup slightly. For a creamier version, a small dollop of sour cream stirred in before baking can make a big difference.

Always taste your mixture before baking. Depending on your choice of BBQ sauce or baked beans, the saltiness and sweetness may vary. Adjust the seasonings accordingly sometimes a touch more mustard or a sprinkle of garlic powder really brings everything together.

If using cheese, add it during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning. And for an extra-crispy top, broil on high for 2–3 minutes at the end.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Baked beans with ground beef is incredibly filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with other comfort food staples. Here are some serving ideas:

• Cornbread: Serve alongside a slice of warm, buttery cornbread for the ultimate Southern vibe.
• Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Scoop the beans over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
• Grilled Meats: Use it as a hearty side dish for burgers, ribs, or grilled chicken.
• Coleslaw or Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp coleslaw or fresh garden salad.
• Hot Dogs or Sausages: Top your hot dogs with a spoonful for a fun, messy, and delicious upgrade.

Don’t forget a dash of hot sauce or fresh herbs to elevate the final dish!

📝 Helpful Tips

• Drain excess fat from the ground beef after cooking to avoid a greasy texture.
• Use quality beans: Some canned baked beans are loaded with sugar and preservatives—check the label or opt for low-sugar versions.
• Don’t overbake: Baked beans should be bubbly and caramelized on top, not dried out. Cover with foil if it starts to dry out.
• Make ahead: This dish can be made a day in advance just cover and refrigerate. Reheat before serving.
• Freeze leftovers: Store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Use a deep baking dish: This prevents bubbling sauce from overflowing in the oven. Place a tray under your dish for extra safety.
• Enhance flavor with smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for that backyard BBQ feel—even when cooked indoors!

These tips ensure every batch comes out rich, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.

⭐ Tips for the Best Baked Beans with Ground Beef

1. Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in your casserole.
2. Caramelize onions slightly before mixing them in it deepens the flavor.
3. Choose a thick BBQ sauce that’s sweet and smoky for maximum richness.
4. Layer in texture with add-ins like crispy bacon or shredded cheese.
5. Bake uncovered to allow the top to caramelize and develop that signature golden crust.

Don’t rush the baking process those last 10 minutes bring everything together!

⏱️ Timing Overview

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
• ⏲️ Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• 🕒 Total Time: 50 minutes

🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 24g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 18g

Related recipes :

• How to Make Easy Crying Tiger Beef ?
• Cheeseburger Pockets Recipe
• Juicy Ground Turkey Burgers
• Easy Orange Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
• Honey Lime Chicken Recipe
• How to Make Chimichurri Sauce for Steak ?

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a lighter alternative.

Q: Are canned baked beans already cooked?
Yes, they’re pre-cooked. You’re essentially reheating and enhancing their flavor.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely—omit the ground beef and use meatless crumbles or extra beans and veggies.

Q: Can I cook this in a crockpot?
Yes—cook beef separately, combine all ingredients, then slow cook on low for 4–5 hours.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?
Up to 4 days in the fridge in a sealed container. Reheat in microwave or oven.

✅ Conclusion

Baked beans with ground beef is a soul-satisfying dish that brings together the bold richness of beef and the tangy sweetness of beans. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and beloved by families everywhere. Whether served at a backyard BBQ or as a comforting weekday dinner, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your home.

Its balance of protein, flavor, and simplicity makes it not only a crowd-pleaser but also a cook’s best friend.

Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on its savory charm.

Print