Baked Beans with Ground Beef

These baked beans with ground beef are a hearty dish that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With a simple prep and hands-off baking time, it's an easy recipe to pull together when you need something filling and delicious.

Baked Beans with Ground Beef

If you're looking for a comforting, no-fuss dish that delivers big on flavor, these baked beans with ground beef are just what you need.

This recipe combines ground beef with the sweet and tangy goodness of baked beans, creating a meal that's both hearty and satisfying.

Whether you're planning a family dinner or need a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this recipe is a great choice.

With minimal prep and a baking time that allows you to focus on other tasks, it's an easy way to get a delicious, homemade dish on the table.

Ingredients

Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to minimize excess fat, but still retain enough flavor. You can also substitute with ground turkey.

Onion: A small, finely diced yellow or white onion adds a sweet, mild flavor to the dish.

Garlic: If you're in a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but fresh garlic will add better flavor.

Baked Beans: Choose your favorite brand of baked beans, whether they are traditional, vegetarian, or with added flavors like maple or hickory.

Ketchup

Sugar: Brown sugar is recommended for its deep, molasses-like sweetness, which pairs well with the baked beans and beef.

Worcestershire Sauce

Mustard

Seasonings: A simple blend of salt and black pepper is all you need to enhance the flavors.

How to Make Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic.

Cook the mixture until the beef is browned and the onions have softened, stirring occasionally.

Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture with the baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.

Stir everything together until the ingredients are well blended, making sure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Next, pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spoon or spatula.

Cover the dish with foil.

Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes.

Once the beans are bubbling and the top has a nice caramelized finish, remove the dish from the oven.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

Leftovers

If you have any leftover, make sure to allow the dish to cool completely.

Once cooled, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate them. They can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Creative Ways of Using Leftovers

There are several creative ways to use up the leftovers.

You can spoon the reheated baked beans over toast or cornbread for a quick and hearty lunch.

Another option is to use the mixture as a filling for stuffed bell peppers—simply hollow out the peppers, fill them with the baked beans and ground beef mixture, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

Leftovers can also be served over rice or mashed potatoes for an easy dinner.

What to Pair With

Here's some options to pair with these baked beans with ground beef:

Warm cornbread: These pair perfectly with the savory baked beans.

Buttery biscuits: Great for soaking up the sauce.

Simple green salad with light vinaigrette: A crisp salad is a refreshing side that pairs well.

Tangy coleslaw: Brings a nice balance with its tangy flavors.

Roasted vegetables: (carrots, Brussels sprouts, green beans) Adds a healthy, flavorful side to the meal.

Creamy mashed potatoes: A comforting side that complements the baked beans.

Cheesy potato gratin: Rich and cheesy, perfect with the hearty dish.

Grilled or steamed vegetables: Offers a fresh and simple contrast.

Potato salad: A cool and creamy side that works well.

Grilled corn on the cob: Sweet and smoky, adds a summery touch.