Baked beans are a staple, especially if you live in the South. You can find them at almost any barbecue joint, and they’re practically required at family cookouts. For many of us, they’re a cherished part of family traditions and gatherings.
But why settle for just a side dish? Adding ground beef transforms baked beans into a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s comfort food, elevated.
This recipe for baked beans with hamburger is a comprehensive guide to creating the perfect dish. We’ll cover different cooking methods, essential tips, and delicious variations to help you make the best baked beans you’ve ever tasted. So, let’s get cooking!
Why Baked Beans with Hamburger is a Crowd-Pleaser
Baked beans with hamburger is a fantastic dish for potlucks and cookouts for a few key reasons:
- It’s versatile. You can easily tweak this recipe to fit your taste. Swap out the type of beans, add different spices, or use a different ground meat.
- It’s affordable. The recipe uses inexpensive ingredients that are easy to find. You probably have most of them in your pantry already.
- It’s easy to make. The prep time is minimal, and the cooking process is straightforward. You can even use canned baked beans to save time.
- It tastes great. The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors is hard to resist. People often describe this dish as hearty and delicious.
Essential Ingredients for Baked Beans with Hamburger
This recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, but each one adds its own touch to the finished dish.
Beans: The Foundation
Canned baked beans are the star of this recipe. You can use just about any brand or flavor you like. Pork and beans or Bush’s Southern Pit BBQ baked beans are both good choices because they give you a pre-made sauce base that’s sweet, smoky, and savory.
For even more texture and flavor, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans, Great Northern beans, kidney beans, or navy beans.
Meat: Adding Heartiness
Ground beef is the classic choice for these baked beans. I like to use 80/20 ground beef because it’s got plenty of flavor and stays nice and tender. Be sure to brown the ground beef before you add it to the beans, and drain off any excess grease.
Bacon is optional, but it adds a delicious smoky flavor and a bit of richness. Hickory-smoked or applewood-smoked bacon are both great options.
Flavor Enhancers: Sweet, Savory, and Smoky
Brown sugar, molasses, or a combination of both gives these beans their signature sweetness.
Diced onions and bell peppers add a savory element, along with Worcestershire sauce, mustard (yellow or spicy brown), and a dash of hot sauce.
Salt, pepper, and any other spices you like will help to round out the flavor. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
How to make baked beans with hamburger
Here’s how to cook up a batch of ground beef baked beans.
Preparing the meat and vegetables
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, making sure to drain off any extra grease.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until they’re softened. For a smoky flavor, try cooking them in bacon grease.
- If you’re using bacon in this recipe, cook it separately until it’s crispy, and then crumble it. Be sure to reserve a little bit to use as a garnish.
Combining the ingredients
- In a large bowl or Dutch oven, combine the browned ground beef, cooked vegetables, beans (both canned and any additional beans you’re using), sweeteners, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, hot sauce, and any other spices you’re using. Gently stir or fold the ingredients together so you don’t end up with soggy beans.
- Add the crumbled bacon (if you’re using it).
Cooking methods
You can use the stovetop, the oven, or a slow cooker to make your baked beans:
- Stovetop: Simmer the mixture over low heat for 15 to 30 minutes, stirring now and then to keep it from sticking.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mixture in a 2 1/2-quart baking dish for 35 to 45 minutes.
- Slow cooker: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 1 to 2 hours.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is pretty flexible, and there are lots of ways you can make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
Meat Variations
- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage.
- Add diced ham or pulled pork for a different flavor.
Bean Variations
- Try different brands or flavors of canned baked beans.
- Toss in some pinto or cannellini beans.
Flavor Variations
- Use Dijon or spicy brown mustard instead of regular yellow mustard.
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy flavor.
- Experiment with chili powder or smoked paprika.
- Use your favorite homemade barbecue sauce instead of the bottled stuff.
Vegetarian Option
- Leave out the ground beef and bacon.
- Add extra veggies, like corn or zucchini.
Have fun experimenting and creating your own signature baked bean recipe!
Tips for the Best Baked Beans with Hamburger
Here’s how to get those baked beans just right:
- Don’t overmix: Stir gently so the beans don’t get mushy.
- Taste and adjust: Add salt, pepper, or anything else you like.
- Make it early: If you have time, make these the day before. The flavors taste even better.
- Cast iron is your friend: If you’re baking these in the oven, use a cast iron skillet. It’ll spread the heat around evenly.
- Keep it moving: Give the beans a stir now and then while they’re cooking, so they don’t stick to the bottom.
Serving and storing your baked beans
These baked beans are perfect as a side dish at barbecues, cookouts, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. They go especially well with grilled meats like hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, and steak. For a classic cookout spread, serve them next to coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob.
Got leftovers? Let the baked beans cool completely before putting them away. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze them for 3 to 4 months.
To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring now and then.
Final Thoughts
Baked beans with hamburger are easy to make, easy on your budget, and easy to customize. Plus, they taste great!
Try out different versions until you find your favorite recipe. Then, share it with your friends and family and enjoy this classic comfort food together.