Baked beans with ground beef

Baked beans with ground beef are a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. this dish combines savory ground beef and sweet beans for a satisfying meal. It’s easy to make, delicious, and always a hit with family and friends. If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful recipe, this baked beans with ground beef dish is just what you need.

Why We Love Baked Beans with Ground Beef

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of baked beans with ground beef. The deep flavors of tender beef, combined with the natural sweetness of the beans, offer a perfect balance that warms you from the inside out. Not only is this dish satisfying, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer your baked beans on the sweeter side or with a bit of spice, you can easily adjust the flavors to suit your tastes.

A major highlight of this recipe is its effortless and speedy preparation. Unlike other hearty meals that take hours to prepare, this one comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Plus, it’s highly customizable. You can add vegetables, adjust the seasonings, or even swap out ground beef for another protein, making it adaptable to a variety of dietary preferences.

But what really makes this dish special is the nostalgia it evokes. Think of the warmth of a family kitchen, the sound of laughter, and the comforting embrace of a meal shared with those you love. Baked beans with ground beef is more than just a meal; it’s a tradition that’s been passed down through generations, and when you make it, you’re creating memories along with a delicious dish.

Ingredients for Baked Beans with Ground Beef

To get started, here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground beef – 1 lb (85% lean)
• Canned baked beans – 2 cans (28 oz each)
• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Ketchup – ¼ cup
• BBQ sauce – ¼ cup
• Brown sugar – 2 tbsp
• Mustard – 1 tbsp
• Worcestershire sauce – 1 tbsp
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Olive oil – 1 tbsp
• Optional add-ins – Bell pepper, bacon, chili flakes

These ingredients are simple and accessible, yet they combine to create a dish that’s both hearty and full of flavor. What sets this recipe apart is its adaptability. You can always add your favorite ingredients or adjust the seasonings to suit your personal preferences.

How to Make Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make this dish from scratch. It’s incredibly easy and comes together in just a few simple steps.

Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is ready, add the ground beef. Use a spoon to break the beef into smaller crumbles as it cooks. Cook the beef until it’s fully browned, making sure no pink remains. This step is essential as it helps develop the rich, meaty flavor that will infuse the entire dish.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

After the beef is browned, stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them into the beef and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent. This step brings out the sweetness of the onions and the aromatic flavor of the garlic, adding depth to the dish.

Step 3: Mix in the Sauces and Seasonings

Next, it’s time to add the flavor-enhancing ingredients. Mix in the ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. The ketchup and BBQ sauce brings tanginess and a smoky sweetness, while the Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami kick. The brown sugar balances out the acidity of the sauces and enhances the natural sweetness of the beans.

Step 4: Combine with Baked Beans

Once your sauce mixture is well combined, add the canned baked beans to the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the beans are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. Let the beans simmer over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure everything thickens and the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the beans are heated through and the sauce has thickened, it’s time to serve. Transfer the dish to a serving platter, and you’re ready to enjoy! This baked beans with ground beef dish is perfect on its own, or you can pair it with a side of cornbread, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Baked Beans with Ground Beef

1. Choose Lean Ground Beef: For the best texture and flavor, use lean ground beef, preferably 85% lean. This provides enough fat for flavor without being greasy.
2. Add Some Bacon: If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider adding crispy bacon to the mix. The bacon adds a savory, smoky undertone that pairs perfectly with the beans and ground beef.
3. Experiment with Heat: If you like a little spice, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to give your baked beans a kick. Consider adding a splash of hot sauce to enhance the flavor even more.
4. Let It Simmer Longer: While the dish is ready in about 20 minutes, letting it simmer for an additional 30 minutes will allow the flavors to develop even further. This gives you a richer, more complex taste.
5. Balance Sweetness and Savory: Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. Add more brown sugar if you like it sweeter or increase the mustard and Worcestershire sauce for more tang.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

Not Browning the Beef Properly: It’s crucial to brown the ground beef thoroughly. If the beef isn’t cooked properly, it won’t have the same depth of flavor, and the texture might be off.

Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasonings as you go. The sweet-savory balance is key, so make sure to add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste.

Overcooking the Beans: While you want to let the dish simmer to combine the flavors, don’t overcook the beans. Doing so can cause them to break down and lose their texture.

Using Low-Quality Beans: Not all canned baked beans are created equal. Select a high-quality brand to guarantee the best flavor and texture. Beans with fewer preservatives will taste fresher and more natural.

Variations to Try with Baked Beans and Ground Beef

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to switch things up. Here are a few variations to consider:

Add More Veggies: If you’d like to add some extra nutrients, try incorporating bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini into the dish. These vegetables will add texture and a subtle flavor without overpowering the dish.

Spicy Baked Beans: For those who love heat, add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or chili powder to give your baked beans a spicy kick.

Cheesy Baked Beans: Top the dish with shredded cheddar cheese and bake it for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The cheese adds a rich, creamy element that pairs wonderfully with the hearty beans.

BBQ Pulled Pork: Mix in some shredded BBQ pulled pork for a smoky, meaty variation that will be a hit at any barbecue.

Serving Suggestions

Baked beans with ground beef is a filling dish that can be paired with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas for serving:

• Cornbread: A classic pairing, cornbread is perfect for soaking up the rich sauce from the beans.
• Steamed Vegetables: A simple side of green beans, broccoli, or carrots complements the hearty flavor of the beans.
• Potato Salad: A cool, creamy potato salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory baked beans.

FAQ: Baked Beans with Ground Beef

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Baked beans with ground beef

Kwika Recipes

Baked beans with ground beef are a classic comfort food that blends savory ground beef with sweet beans for a satisfying and easy-to-make dish. Ideal for weeknights or gatherings, this recipe is customizable to your taste and takes less than an hour to prepare.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• Ground beef – 1 lb 85% lean
• Canned baked beans – 2 cans 28 oz each
• Onion – 1 medium finely chopped
• Garlic – 3 cloves minced
• Ketchup – ¼ cup
• BBQ sauce – ¼ cup
• Brown sugar – 2 tbsp
• Mustard – 1 tbsp
• Worcestershire sauce – 1 tbsp
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Olive oil – 1 tbsp
• Optional add-ins – Bell pepper bacon, chili flakes

Instructions

 

Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is ready, add the ground beef. Use a spoon to break the beef into smaller crumbles as it cooks. Cook the beef until it’s fully browned, making sure no pink remains.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

• After the beef is browned, stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them into the beef and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.

Step 3: Mix in the Sauces and Seasonings

• Next, add the ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Combine with Baked Beans

• Once the sauce mixture is well combined, add the canned baked beans to the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the beans are evenly coated. Let it simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Once the beans are heated through and the sauce has thickened, transfer the dish to a serving platter, and it’s ready to enjoy!