Baked beans are a classic side dish, especially at potlucks and barbecues. They’re versatile, comforting, and generally a crowd-pleaser.
But why not take that classic to the next level? Adding ground beef to baked beans makes them heartier and more flavorful. You can serve it as a side, or you can make it the main course.
In this article, we’ll explore different variations of baked beans with ground beef, various cooking methods, and some suggestions for serving this dish.
Why make baked beans with ground beef?
Baked beans with ground beef are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and they’re easy to make. Here’s why they should be your go-to:
- Effortless Prep: Recipes often use canned baked beans as a base, so you don’t have to soak beans overnight. Most recipes only require a few steps and a short cook time.
- Delicious Flavor: The sweetness of baked beans complements the rich, savory flavor of ground beef. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your tastes.
- Affordable Eats: Baked beans and ground beef are both budget-friendly ingredients.
- Endless Options: They’re perfect for potlucks, cookouts, weeknight dinners, and holidays. You can serve them as a side or as a main course with some cornbread.
Ingredient breakdown
Here’s a look at the main players in this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe:
Base ingredients
- Canned baked beans: You can use pork and beans, vegetarian beans, or any variety you enjoy. This recipe typically calls for three 15-ounce cans or four 12-ounce cans.
- Ground beef: I usually go for 80/20 ground beef because it’s flavorful and stays tender. If you’re watching your fat intake, you can easily swap in ground turkey or chicken.
Flavor enhancers
- Onion and bell pepper: Don’t skip sautéing these! It really builds the depth of flavor in the dish. I usually use green bell pepper, but a red bell pepper or even a jalapeño would be great if you want a little more kick.
- Sweeteners: Brown sugar is a classic choice, but you could also use molasses, honey, or maple syrup.
- Sauces and spices: Ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are the foundations of a well-balanced flavor. Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.
Optional add-ins
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a wonderful smoky flavor and a bit of texture.
- Apple cider vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the beans.
How to make baked beans with ground beef on the stovetop
- Brown the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned. Make sure to drain off any grease.
- Sauté the vegetables. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until they’re soft. If you have bacon grease, cooking bell peppers and onions in it gives a smoky flavor.
- Combine the ingredients. Add the canned baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and any other seasonings to the skillet. Stir well.
- Simmer. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring every so often. Taste and add more seasoning as needed.
Alternative cooking methods
While cooking your baked beans with ground beef on the stovetop is a simple way to get it done, it’s not the only way! Here are a couple of other cooking methods to try:
Oven method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Follow steps 1-3 of the stovetop method.
- Transfer the bean mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with bacon slices, if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to crisp the bacon.
Slow cooker method
- Follow steps 1-3 of the stovetop method.
- Transfer the bean mixture to a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Baked Beans
- Prevent sticking: Give the beans a stir now and then, especially if you’re using a pot on the stove. This keeps them from gluing to the bottom.
- Adjust sweetness and tanginess: Want it sweeter? Add more brown sugar or molasses. Prefer a bit of zing? Up the mustard or apple cider vinegar.
- Make ahead of time: These beans are great to make a day or two in advance. The flavors deepen as they sit.
- Customize! Try different beans, meats (bacon, sausage!), or seasonings to create your own signature recipe.
Serving and Storage
These baked beans go great with just about anything you’d throw on the grill! Think burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or steak. They’re also delicious with other BBQ classics like:
- Coleslaw
- Potato Salad
- Corn on the Cob
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop over medium-low until warmed through.
Wrapping Up
Baked beans with ground beef is a simple recipe that delivers big flavor. It’s easily adaptable to your tastes and is always a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and cookouts.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own! You can experiment with different types of beans, seasonings, and even cooking methods. For example, you can easily convert this recipe to your slow cooker or Instant Pot.
If you try this recipe, please share your variations and serving suggestions in the comments below. I’d love to hear how you make this dish your own!