Description
This hearty dish combines tender ground beef with sweet and tangy baked beans, enhanced with smoky bacon and rich seasonings. It’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food perfect for potlucks, barbecue sides, or a warm family dinner.
Introduction
Baked beans have always been a classic dish — but adding ground beef transforms them into a filling and satisfying main course. This recipe offers a great balance of sweetness, smokiness, and savory flavors. The best part? It’s simple to prepare and can easily be customized to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients
Serves: 6–8
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
4–6 slices bacon, chopped (optional but recommended)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cans (28 oz total or similar) baked beans in tomato sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1–2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional add-ins: chopped bell pepper, hot sauce, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika
Instructions
Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook Bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving some bacon fat in the pan.
Brown the Ground Beef in the same pan. Add onion and cook until softened. Drain extra grease.
Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish or casserole, mix beans, beef, bacon, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, and seasonings.
Bake uncovered for 45–60 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly thickened.
Rest and Serve warm with cornbread, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.
Tips
Flavor Boost: Add a splash of BBQ sauce for smokiness or a bit of hot sauce for heat.
Make-Ahead: Assemble in the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Thicker Texture: Bake an extra 10–15 minutes or reduce sugar slightly.
Lean Option: Use 90%+ lean beef or ground turkey.
Vegetarian Variation: Skip beef and bacon; add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based ground.
