Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe for its satisfying blend of flavors and ease of preparation. It combines the sweetness of baked beans with the savory taste of browned beef and smoky bacon, all baked together until bubbling and delicious. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for feeding a group or preparing ahead for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s versatile—you can adjust the sweetness, spice, or smokiness to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Canned baked beans
• Bacon strips
• Yellow onion
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Barbecue sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• Salt and black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
5. Stir in the baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
6. Crumble the cooked bacon into the mixture and stir again.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
8. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce, chili powder, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Sweet and Smoky: Use hickory-smoked barbecue sauce and extra brown sugar for a deeper smoky sweetness.
• Vegetable Boost: Mix in diced bell peppers or corn for extra texture and flavor.
• Ground Turkey or Sausage: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or pork sausage for a lighter or more flavorful twist.
• Slow Cooker Option: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1–2 minutes until warmed through. For best results, reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 15–20 minutes. This dish also freezes well—cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned chili beans instead of baked beans?

Yes, but the flavor will be spicier and less sweet. Adjust the seasonings to balance the taste.

What type of ground beef works best?

Use 85% lean ground beef for the best flavor and texture. Leaner beef can work too, but you may lose some richness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Do I need to drain the baked beans?

No, you should not drain them. The sauce helps create the perfect texture and flavor for the casserole.

Can I make this without bacon?

Absolutely. You can omit the bacon or replace it with turkey bacon or a vegetarian alternative.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef or turkey, reduce the brown sugar, and opt for a low-sugar barbecue sauce.

Can I use homemade baked beans?

Yes, homemade baked beans work beautifully and add even more depth of flavor.

What can I serve with baked beans and ground beef?

It pairs perfectly with cornbread, coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled vegetables.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too runny?

Bake uncovered so the sauce thickens, and avoid adding extra liquid ingredients.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in a larger dish or two separate pans.

Conclusion

Baked Beans with Ground Beef is a deliciously hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its rich, smoky-sweet sauce and savory meat, it’s a perfect side or main course for any occasion. Easy to make, satisfying to eat, and ideal for leftovers—this recipe is a comforting classic you’ll come back to again and again.

Baked Beans with Ground Beef

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A hearty, smoky-sweet baked beans and ground beef casserole baked to perfection with bacon, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar — a comforting dish perfect as a side or main for family dinners and gatherings.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
• 4 strips bacon
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 (15 oz) cans baked beans (undrained)
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in the baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
6. Crumble the cooked bacon into the mixture and stir.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
8. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use 85% lean ground beef for the best texture and flavor.
• Do not drain the baked beans — the sauce adds moisture and flavor.
• For a spicy twist, add chili powder or hot sauce.
• This dish can be made ahead and baked before serving.
• Freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 50mg