Few dishes capture the essence of home-cooked comfort quite like baked beans with ground beef Recipe . This hearty, savory-sweet dish is a staple in many households, offering a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Whether served as a main dish or a hearty side, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or backyard barbecues.
Growing up, my family always had a pot of baked beans simmering on the stove during the cooler months. My grandmother’s recipe, a fusion of Southern-style beans and rich, meaty flavors, became a cherished tradition. Now, I’m excited to share my take on this timeless classic, packed with deep flavors and a touch of nostalgia.
Table of Contents
How to make the Best Ever Baked Beans With Ground Beef Recipe:
Ingredients:
To make this rich and satisfying dish, you’ll need the following:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for the best flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) baked beans (or substitute with navy beans for a homemade approach)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for a mild kick)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
Instructions STEP-BY-STEP:
Preparation Steps:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out all the seasonings and sauces.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
Cooking the Ground Beef:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon (if using) until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, then drain excess fat.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened (about 2 minutes).
Assembling the Baked Beans:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings.
- Mix Well: Stir in the cooked beef mixture and bacon bits for an even distribution of flavors.
Baking the Dish:
- Transfer to a Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45 Minutes: Allow the flavors to meld as the beans thicken and caramelize on the edges.
- Optional Broil: For an extra layer of texture, broil for 5 minutes until the top is slightly crispy.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Allow the beans to cool completely before freezing in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second increments, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Additions & Substitutions
- Meat Variations: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, or shredded chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add extra beans or mushrooms for a hearty alternative.
- Sweeteners: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Spice Level: Adjust heat by adding cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
What to Serve with Baked Beans
Baked beans with ground beef are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:
- With Cornbread: The sweet and crumbly texture complements the rich, savory beans.
- Over Rice: A great way to stretch the dish for a filling meal.
- As a Side for BBQ: Serve alongside grilled meats like ribs or chicken for a classic barbecue spread.
- With a Fresh Salad: A crisp coleslaw or simple garden salad balances the richness.
Beverage Pairings:
- A cold glass of iced tea or lemonade adds a refreshing contrast.
- A light beer or red wine (like Zinfandel) pairs beautifully with the smoky-sweet notes of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Soak 2 cups of dried navy beans overnight, then simmer until tender before using in the recipe.
How can I make this dish less sweet?
Reduce or omit the brown sugar and molasses. Increase the vinegar and mustard for a tangier profile.
What’s the best way to thicken baked beans?
If your beans are too soupy, let them bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry.
Conclusion
Baked beans with ground beef is a true comfort food classic, offering a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s deeply satisfying and ideal for any occasion. Whether you follow this recipe to the letter or customize it with your own twist, this dish is sure to be a family favorite.
Have you tried making baked beans with ground beef? I’d love to hear your take on it! Share your variations or favorite pairings in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more hearty comfort food recipes, be sure to check out my collection of cozy, home-cooked meals!
Baked Beans with Ground Beef Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef Use 80/20 blend for best flavor
- 1 small Onion Finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 can (28 oz) Baked beans Can substitute navy beans
- 1/2 cup Ketchup Adds tangy sweetness
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar For a caramelized depth of flavor
- 2 tbsp Molasses Enhances the sweetness
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard Adds a slight tang
- 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar Balances the sweetness
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Adds umami richness
- 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika For a subtle smoky flavor
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper Adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp Chili powder Optional for a mild kick
- 4 slices Bacon Chopped optional but adds depth
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
Prepare Ingredients:
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure all seasonings.
Cook the Ground Beef & Aromatics:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon (if using) until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, then drain excess fat.
- Stir in the onions and garlic, cooking until softened (about 2 minutes).
Assemble the Baked Beans Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and chili powder.
- Stir in the cooked beef mixture and bacon bits for an even distribution of flavors.
Bake the Dish:
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until thickened and caramelized on the edges.
- Optional: Broil for 5 minutes for a crispy top layer.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, add liquid smoke or extra smoked paprika.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to deepen.
- Can be doubled for a crowd—just use a larger baking dish.