How To Make Baked Beans With Ground Beef Tonight

There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty dish of baked beans with ground beef. This protein-packed, flavor-rich meal combines the smoky sweetness of baked beans with the savory depth of ground beef to create a dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution, a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, or a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, baked beans with ground beef delivers on all fronts.

Why Baked Beans with Ground Beef Is the Perfect Dinner Choice

Before diving into the baked beans and ground beef recipe, let’s explore why this combination has stood the test of time as a beloved comfort food. A harmonious blend of protein, fiber, and complex carbs is achieved in baked beans with ground beef. The ground beef contributes significant protein and a savory depth, complemented by the beans’ fiber and essential nutrients. Together, they create a meal that’s not only delicious but also keeps you satisfied longer.

This dish also shines in versatility. You can adjust the flavors to suit your preferences—make it spicier, sweeter, or more savory depending on your mood. Plus, baked beans with ground beef works equally well as a main dish served with cornbread or as a hearty side for a summer barbecue.

Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Servings: 6-8

Equipment Needed

• Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Casserole dish (if not using oven-safe skillet)

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5g
• Sodium: 950mg

Essential Ingredients for Classic Baked Beans with Ground Beef

To prepare a delicious batch of baked beans with ground beef tonight, gather these ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 blend works well)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz each) baked beans
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 4-6 slices bacon for topping

The beauty of making baked beans with ground beef is that most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry. The combination of barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and molasses creates that signature sweet and tangy flavor that makes baked beans so irresistible, while the ground beef transforms this side dish into a complete meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making baked beans with ground beef:

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take out a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven that can transfer from stovetop to oven. For stovetop cooking, a standard skillet can be used, and then the mixture can be moved to a casserole dish for baking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Place your skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Introduce the ground beef to the hot pan. Cook the beef, using a wooden spoon to crumble it, until it loses its pink color. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off, leaving just a small amount for flavor and to cook the vegetables.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until its fragrance is released. These aromatics form the flavor base of your baked beans with ground beef.

Step 4: Combine with Beans and Sauce Ingredients

Add the two cans of baked beans to the skillet, including their sauce. Then add the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should have a saucy consistency—not too thick and not too runny.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Season your baked beans with ground beef mixture with salt and pepper. Remember that many of the prepared ingredients (like barbecue sauce and the canned beans) already contain salt, so taste before adding more.

Step 6: Optional Bacon Topping

If you’re using bacon, arrange the slices on top of the bean mixture. The bacon will crisp up during baking and add another layer of smoky flavor to your baked beans with ground beef.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

If using an oven-safe skillet, place it directly into the preheated oven. Otherwise, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish first. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and slightly caramelized on top. If using bacon, it should be crispy by this point.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Allow your baked beans with ground beef to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and allows the dish to set up slightly, making it easier to serve.

Variations to Customize Your Baked Beans with Ground Beef

One of the joys of cooking baked beans with ground beef is how easily you can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some popular variations:

Spicy Southwest Style

Add a diced jalapeño with your other vegetables and include 1 teaspoon of chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin when mixing in your sauce ingredients. During the final 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Maple Bacon Version

Replace the molasses with pure maple syrup for a different sweetness profile, and double the bacon on top for extra indulgence. This version of baked beans with ground beef is particularly popular at brunch gatherings.

Italian-Inspired Twist

Use Italian-seasoned ground beef and add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend to the mixture. Substitute one can of the baked beans with a can of diced tomatoes and top with mozzarella cheese before baking.

Smoky BBQ Style

Add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the mixture and increase the barbecue sauce to 1/2 cup. This gives your baked beans with ground beef that authentic smoky flavor even if you’re cooking indoors.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Beans with Ground Beef

While baked beans with ground beef is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal on its own, pairing it with complementary sides elevates the dining experience:

• Cornbread or corn muffins: The slight sweetness pairs perfectly with the savory beans
• Coleslaw: The cool, crisp texture provides a nice contrast
• Garlic bread: An ideal accompaniment for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A refreshing addition to balance the richness of other dishes.
• Baked potatoes: For an extra-hearty meal

Tips for Preparing and Storing Baked Beans with Ground Beef in Advance

Baked beans with ground beef is one of those magical dishes that actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Maximize your leftover meals with these tips:

Make-Ahead Instructions

This dish can be prepared in advance, stopping before the baking stage. Once prepared, cover and refrigerate for a maximum of 2 days. When ready to serve, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.

Storage Guidelines

Refrigerate leftover baked beans with ground beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making day-two beans even more delicious than the first serving.

Freezing Instructions

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion cooled baked beans with ground beef into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Before reheating, defrost in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Methods

For best results, reheat baked beans with ground beef in a 325°F oven until hot throughout (about 20-30 minutes). For quicker reheating, individual servings can be microwaved. Stir the portion a few times during heating until it is thoroughly warm.

Nutritional Benefits of Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Beyond being delicious, this dish packs a nutritional punch. Baked beans with ground beef provides:

• Protein: From both the beef and beans, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety
• Fiber: Beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber for digestive health
• Iron: Both ingredients contribute this essential mineral
• B vitamins: Particularly B12 from the beef, supporting energy and brain function
• Lycopene: From the tomato-based ingredients, known for antioxidant properties

Budget-Friendly Meal Planning with Baked Beans with Ground Beef

For those looking to stretch their food budget without sacrificing flavor or nutrition, baked beans with ground beef is an excellent choice. Here’s why it’s wallet-friendly:

• Beans are one of the most economical protein sources available
• Ground beef can be purchased on sale and frozen until needed
• The recipe uses pantry staples that have a long shelf life
• One batch makes multiple servings, reducing the per-meal cost
• Leftovers are versatile and can be repurposed into other meals

Final Thoughts on Baked Beans with Ground Beef

There’s a reason baked beans with ground beef has remained a beloved dish across generations. It strikes that perfect balance between convenience and comfort, between affordability and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking to impress guests at your next gathering, this hearty dish delivers satisfaction in every bite.

By following the steps outlined in this recipe, you’ll create a memorable meal that might just become a regular feature in your dinner rotation. The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, along with the heartiness of beans and beef, creates a dish that appeals to even the pickiest eaters.

So tonight, when you’re wondering what to make for dinner, remember this baked beans with ground beef recipe. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’re just an hour away from a delicious homemade meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Additional Resources

If you enjoyed this baked beans with ground beef recipe, explore these related articles for more culinary inspiration:

Quick Smoked Corned Beef Recipe: Rich & Smoky Flavor

How to Make a Savory Ground Beef Noodle Recipe Tonight

How to Make a Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet in 30 Minutes

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