Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Table of Contents

1. Let’s Dish: About Baked Beans
2. Baked Beans with Ground Beef Ingredients
3. Ground Beef Baked Beans Substitutions and Additions
4. How To Make This Baked Beans With Ground Beef Recipe
5. Troubleshooting
6. How To Serve Baked Beans with Ground Beef
7. How To Store Baked Beans with Ground Beef
8. Frequently Asked Questions
9. Why This Recipe For Baked Beans With Ground Beef Is The Best
10. ​More Side Dishes You’ll Love
11. JUMP TO RECIPE
12. Even More Recipes You’ll Love

Our baked beans with ground beef recipe transforms classic comfort food into a deeply flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich, smoky ground beef pairs beautifully with the sweetness of brown sugar and barbecue sauce, while the crisp bacon adds a delightful crunch. An elevated version of baked beans, every bite is layered with bold, savory flavors.

Let’s Dish: About Baked Beans

Main Ingredients: Ground beef, bacon, baked beans, barbecue sauce, and spices.
Quick Steps: Brown beef, sauté onions and peppers, mix all ingredients in a skillet, top with bacon, and bake.
Total Time & Yield: 1 hour 20 minutes; serves 8.

Why This Recipe

• This baked beans with ground beef recipe stands out because it focuses on rich, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors that come together with minimal prep.

• This version includes a savory balance of ground beef, bacon, and a blend of BBQ sauce and brown sugar that enhances the sweet and tangy notes.

• Unlike other recipes that may use fewer spices, ours elevates the dish with fresh bell peppers and onions as well as a combination of mustard and Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.

• The result is a more robust and well-rounded flavor profile compared to baked beans that are overly sweet or one-dimensional.

• This recipe also gives you options for customizing the consistency, whether you prefer a thicker sauce by cooking longer or a quicker stovetop version.

Baked Beans with Ground Beef Ingredients

Baked Beans with Ground Beef is a hearty dish that brings together the savory flavors of beef and the sweetness of baked beans. It’s a comforting recipe made from simple ingredients, perfect for a family dinner or a backyard barbecue.

Ground Beef Baked Beans Substitutions and Additions

If you’re looking to customize your baked beans with ground beef or adapt it based on what you have on hand, here are some helpful substitutions and additions.

While these suggestions will allow you to make this recipe with what you have on hand, remember, any changes might alter the overall taste and texture.

Ground Beef: You can substitute ground pork, or ground turkey or chicken.

Yellow Onion: Red onion or shallots can be used instead. If you’re out of fresh onions, onion powder works in a pinch (about 1 tablespoon).

Green Bell Pepper: Feel free to use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter taste. You can also add diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.

Canned Baked Beans: If you don’t have Bush’s Original baked beans, different brands will work fine. Customize the flavor by using barbecue-flavored baked beans.

Barbecue Sauce: Any barbecue sauce you love is fine, but we recommend a smoky, rich sauce. If you like it spicier, go for a hot and spicy variety.

Yellow Mustard: Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard can be used for a more intense flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, honey mustard is a good alternative.

Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce or tamari can be used as a substitute.

Chili Powder: You can replace the chili with a touch of cayenne pepper if you’re out.

Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika can be used if smoked isn’t available, though it will lack the smoky flavor. You can add a few drops of liquid smoke for a similar effect.

Smoked Bacon: We love the smoky flavor smoked bacon adds. You can try maple bacon or just regular bacon if needed.

How To Make This Baked Beans With Ground Beef Recipe

STEP ONE: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place a large oven-safe skillet (12-inch wide by 2-inch deep) on the stovetop and turn to medium-high heat.

STEP TWO: Once the skillet is hot, add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook for until browned and no pink remains, using a wooden spoon to break it until small pieces as it cooks.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked ground beef to a plate and set aside. Drain any excess grease from the skillet and return it to the heat.

If your ground beef is exceptionally greasy, you can drain it in a colander and rinse it with warm water.

STEP THREE: Add the diced yellow onion and diced green bell pepper to the hot skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onions are slightly translucent. Turn off the heat.

STEP FOUR: Add the cooked ground beef, 2 cans of baked beans, bottled barbecue sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the cooked onions and bell peppers.

Give the beans a good stir until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

STEP SIX: Place the oven-safe skillet into the preheated oven and bake the baked beans with ground beef until the beans are bubbly and the bacon is crisp.

Keep an eye on the beans as they cook. You want the beans to be bubbly and the bacon to be crisp. If the bacon isn’t crispy enough after an hour, you can turn on the broiler for a couple of minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.

STEP SEVEN: Remove the skillet from the oven and place it on a heat-safe surface. You can garnish the baked beans with chopped green onions before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Troubleshooting

Before you begin making this hearty side dish, read through these troubleshooting tips to avoid any potential issues:

The ground beef remains greasy after cooking.

Drain any excess grease from the skillet before adding the other ingredients. If your ground beef seems exceptionally greasy, we recommend draining the ground beef in a collander and rinsing it in warm water.

The onions and bell peppers are not cooking evenly.

Dice the vegetables uniformly (in evenly sized pieces) and sauté them until they are softened and slightly translucent.

The baked beans turn out too sweet.

Adjust the amount of brown sugar or barbecue sauce to suit your taste preferences. If you’re not a fan of sweet sides, add half the sugar, taste, and add more if needed.

The bacon doesn’t crisp up in the oven.

Spread the bacon pieces evenly and be sure they do not overlap. You can also broil the dish for a few minutes at the end, but watch closely to avoid burning.

How To Serve Baked Beans with Ground Beef

This dish is versatile and can fit into many meal types, making it a great addition to your recipe collection. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Traditional Barbecue Plate: Serve the baked beans with grilled meats like ribs, chicken, or burgers. This smoky flavors of this delicious side dish pair perfectly with BBQ favorites.

• Easy Family Dinner: For a comforting family dinner, serve the baked beans with ground beef alongside mashed potatoes and green beans. 

• Potluck Favorite: Bring this dish to your next potluck. It’s easy to transport and reheats well. Serve it in a slow cooker to keep it warm throughout the event. It perfectly complements classic comfort foods like potato salad and mac and cheese.

• Game Day Snack: Turn the baked beans into a hearty snack for game day by serving them with tortilla chips, over hot dogs or alongside other favorite game day foods like a pulled pork sandwich, brisket tacos, or queso dip.

• Breakfast Addition: Incorporate the beans into a breakfast spread by serving them with eggs and toast for a savory and filling meal.

How To Store Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Here are some straightforward tips for making these baked beans ahead, storing in the fridge, freezing, and reheating.

MAKE AHEAD: This recipe is perfect for making ahead. For best results, make these beans up until you’re ready to bake them, then transfer to a casserole dish and store them covered in the fridge.

Approximately 90 minutes before you want to serve them, remove the dish from the fridge and allow them to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake as directed, then serve.

IN THE FRIDGE: Allow your beans to cool completely, then transfer the beans to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to five days. Your leftovers will taste even better than when they were baked fresh.

IN THE FREEZER: Freeze your fully cooled beans in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

HOW TO REHEAT: Transfer the beans to an oven-safe dish and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave covered for 1-2 minutes. Stir frequently.

Why This Recipe For Baked Beans With Ground Beef Is The Best

Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a potluck gathering, this recipe hits all the right notes. Here are some reasons why we love this dish:

Hearty and Filling – The addition of hamburger meat takes the classic side dish up a notch. This recipe can even be served as a main course.

Versatile – Take your Baked Beans with Ground Beef to any event, from family holiday dinners to summer cookouts. 

Great for Leftovers – This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day,

This easy Baked Beans with Ground Beef recipe is a hearty meal or perfect side dish for family gatherings or summer BBQs. So flavorful, this recipe is a fresh take on the classic side dish, and has a sweet and smoky taste that’s easy to love.

​More Side Dishes You’ll Love

• Onion Rings
• Little Caesar’s Crazy Bread
• Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
• Apple Pie Baked Beans
• Simple Sauteed Vegetables

Even More Recipes You’ll Love

Dessert Recipes

• Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Delight
• Hershey Pie
• Strawberry Trifle
• French Silk Brownies
• Million Dollar Dip
• Butterscotch Brownies
• Mini Cupcakes
• Gingerbread Kiss Cookies
• Brownie Muffins
• Butterfinger Fudge
• Mini Mint Cheesecake
• 7 Minute Frosting
• Cranberry Jello Salad
• Candied Carrots 
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie

White Chocolate Dessert Recipes

• White Chocolate Brownies
• White Chocolate and Raspberry Muffins
• White Chocolate and Raspberry Blondies
• White Chocolate Haystacks

Cake Recipes

• White Chocolate Raspberry Cake
• Chocolate Fudge Cake
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
• Italian Lemon Cake
• Limoncello Cake
• Orange Cranberry Cake
• Shirley Temple Cake
• Hummingbird Cake

Dinner Recipes

• Smothered Meatballs 
• Kielbasa and Potato Casserole
• 3 Ingredient Satay Sauce
• Mexican Lasagna
• 3 Ingredient Stir Fry Sauce
• Stuffed Pork Chops
• Sheet Pan Quesadillas
• American Chop Suey
• Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole
• Crock Pot Chili 
• Meatball Casserole

Appetizer Recipes

• Homemade Soft Pretzels
• Dill Pickle Cheese Ball
• Frizzled Onions 
• Party Sub
• Chick Fil A Mac And Cheese Recipe
• Bundt Pan Nachos 
• Baked Potato Skins
• Cabbage Rolls
• Football Cheese Ball

Chicken Dinner Recipes

• Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets 
• Chicken Potato Casserole
• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
• Chicken Pot Pie Noodles
• Smothered Chicken
• Chicken Cheesesteak
• Chinese Chicken Salad
• Chicken Tetrazzini
• Crockpot Orange Chicken
• Oven Baked Chicken
• Crockpot Crack Chicken
• Coconut Lime Chicken
• Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Slider Recipes

• Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
• Ham and Cheese Sliders
• Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
• BBQ Chicken Sliders

Soup Recipes

• Lasagna Soup Recipe 
• Chicken Noodle Soup 
• Minestrone Soup
• Cabbage Soup
• Beer Cheese Soup
• Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
• Chicken and Rice Soup

Breakfast Recipes

• Chaffle
• Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
• Apple Cinnamon Granola
• Egg Bites
• Cloud Bread

Drink Recipes

• Mango Pineapple Smoothie
• Butterbeer Jello Shots
• Pink Starburst Cocktail 
• Grinch Punch
• Mango Mojito 
• Alexander Cocktail
• Jello Shots