Discover the family favorite recipe for baked beans with ground beef that will have your taste buds begging for more. With a simple list of basic ingredients, including smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and molasses, learn how to create the perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors to make this dish a hit at any family gathering or potluck.
Thanks to my Auntie Valerie, I am convinced that baked beans with ground beef are the way to go when making baked beans. The way she makes them is a combination of sweet, savory, and smokey. It’s all about the ingredients you purchase for this homemade baked beans recipe.
Packed with kid-friendly flavor and perfect for feeding a crowd, this family-favorite dish is a surefire winner. It’s a versatile recipe, easy-to-make, and budget-friendly recipe that your family will look forward to you making every summer cookout.
Get the Right Ingredients
When shopping for your ingredients, looking for quality products is important. Opt for baked beans that already have a flavor profile that you like, grass-fed ground beef, green bell pepper, and fresh onions. Some of the flavors I typically purchase are:
- Bush’s Baked Beans Brown Sugar Hickory
- Bush’s Baked Beans Onion
- Bush’s Baked Beans Honey Sweet
You can check out Bush’s website for more flavors.
Always check the expiration dates on your canned goods, too. These little details may seem insignificant, but they can make a big difference in the overall flavor of your dish.
Once you have your ingredients, you can start cooking your ground beef.
Cooking the Ground Beef
Once you have all of your ingredients gathered, it’s time to start cooking the ground beef. Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up any large clumps. Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked.
You may notice some excess fat in the pan as the beef cooks. It’s a good idea to drain any excess grease before moving on to the next step. You can do this by carefully pouring the beef and fat mixture into a colander placed over a bowl. Once the fat has drained off, return the beef to the skillet.
At this point, you can add your diced onions to the skillet with the beef. Cook the onions with the beef for a few minutes until they have softened and become translucent. The onions will add flavor and texture to the dish, so give them plenty of time to cook.
As the beef and onions cook together, you’ll notice a delicious aroma beginning to fill the kitchen. This is the perfect time to start thinking about adding the seasoning and spices to this awesome summer side dish to life.
Adding Flavor
Once the beef and onions have cooked for a few minutes, adding those flavorful ingredients will make your baked beans truly delicious. Start by adding a can of crushed tomatoes to the skillet. This will add a tangy sweetness that balances out the savory flavors of the beef and beans.
Next, it’s time to add some spices. A teaspoon of smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the dish, while a tablespoon of chili powder provides subtle heat. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like your baked beans to have a little kick.
To take your dish to the next level, you can add some of the ingredients below for an extra boost in taste:
- BBQ Sauce
- A squirt of ketchup
- Diced Bacon
- Spicy Sausage
- Ground turkey
- A dash of liquid smoke
These ingredients will add complexity and depth to your baked beans that will have your taste buds singing.
Once you’ve added all your desired flavorings, give everything a good stir and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Now, your beef and bean mixture is ready to be transferred to a baking dish and finished off in the oven.
With all the added flavor, your baked beans with ground beef will surely be a hit at your next potluck or family dinner.
Bake it to Perfection
To bake your baked beans with ground beef to perfection, preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer your beef and bean mixture to a baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in, and place it in the oven.
Depending on how deep your baking dish is, your baked beans with ground beef should take around 25-30 minutes to bake. After 30 minutes, remove the aluminum foil to allow the top to brown a little. Keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t burn.
Now that your dish is perfectly baked, it’s time to serve and enjoy!
As you savor the flavors of this easy baked beans recipe, take a moment to appreciate the process of creating and sharing a meal with loved ones. Food can bring people together and create memories; your delicious dish is a testament to that.
In conclusion, the ultimate recipe for perfectly baked beans with ground beef is simple yet delicious comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. Following the easy steps outlined in this article, you can create a dish suitable for family dinners, potlucks, or even special occasions. With the ability to adjust the seasonings and make it your own, this great recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser.
Happy Barbecuing!
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes, you can experiment with various types of beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans to customize the flavors you like. In fact, you can combine a can of all of the beans if you prefer.
Absolutely! A slow cooker is a convenient option for this dish. Follow the recipe instructions and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.
Definitely! Freezing ground beef with baked beans is a convenient option, especially if you want a quick side dish to warm up on hand.
Similar Recipes
If you like this baked beans recipe, you will enjoy the recipes below:
- Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Barbecue and Bacon Baked Beans
- Classic Potato Salad
- Picnic Pasta Salad Recipe
- Skillet and Buttery Cornbread
- Grilled Chipotle Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs
Baked Beans with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6-8 1x
Description
Delight in the savory combination of tender ground beef and flavorful baked beans. This mouthwatering dish offers a comforting blend of hearty ingredients, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2–1 lb. can baked beans
- 1 tbsp. Olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/3 c. yellow onions, diced
- 1/3 c. green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 c. light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. Smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tbsp. Molasses
- 1 tbsp. Barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 Degrees.
- In a medium saute pan on medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onions and green bell pepper and cook until soft about 5 minutes. Next, add the garlic and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the onion and pepper mixture and use a wooden spoon to break up the meat. Cook until browned and mixed into the onions and peppers. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat.
- Pour the canned baked beans into an 8X11 casserole dish. Add the ground beef mixture and stir until well-mixed. Add the onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and molasses, and stir.
- Cover with aluminum foil, place in oven, and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Cook
- Cuisine: American
Can you bake this bean recipe in the crockpot?
Yes! I’m sure that would be fine.