Baked beans with ground beef is a classic dish that combines the richness of savory ground beef with the natural sweetness and depth of beans. This recipe has long been a staple in homes and gatherings, offering a comforting and hearty meal that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it’s a perfect addition to any family dinner, picnic, or barbecue. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a mouth-watering Baked Beans Recipe with Ground Beef, and explore variations like Bourbon Baked Beans, Barbecue Beans, and Cowboy Baked Beans, ensuring that you have all the options for every occasion.
Ingredients for Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Before diving into the different variations of this dish, let’s look at the ingredients you’ll need for the basic Baked Beans with Ground Beef recipe:
- 1 lb ground beef – You can use lean ground beef or a fattier cut, depending on your preference.
- 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans – You can opt for traditional canned baked beans or homemade ones if you prefer.
- 1 medium onion, chopped – A sweet yellow onion works well, but feel free to use red or white onions if you like.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped – This adds a sweet, crunchy texture and color to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is essential for adding aromatic flavor.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce – Choose your favorite barbecue sauce for the perfect blend of smoky and sweet.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – This gives the dish a subtle sweetness that balances the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a rich, savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon mustard – A little tangy heat is great in baked beans.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
- Optional: ½ cup cooked bacon bits – Adding bacon will make the beans even more savory.
These ingredients come together in a simple, yet flavorful way, creating a dish that is perfect for gatherings or an easy dinner. Now, let’s walk through the steps to prepare this delicious meal.
How to Make Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the pan. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use a lean ground beef variety and skip the draining step.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook them together, stirring frequently, for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. The combination of the savory beef and sweet vegetables will start to build the foundation of flavor.
Step 3: Add the Beans and Sauce
Next, pour in the baked beans (canned or homemade) along with the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Stir everything together until it is well combined. The BBQ sauce provides that signature smoky, tangy flavor, while the brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the richness of the beef and beans.
Step 4: Season the Dish
Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper. You can add more brown sugar or BBQ sauce to adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking. If you are adding bacon bits, now is the time to stir them in.
Step 5: Bake the Beans
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to caramelize slightly. The result is a bubbly, thick, and savory dish that is sure to impress.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the beans are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. These Baked Beans with Ground Beef can be served as a hearty side dish or paired with grilled meats like burgers, ribs, or chicken for a complete meal.
Variations of Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Bourbon Baked Beans
One popular variation of Baked Beans Recipe with Ground Beef is Bourbon Baked Beans. The addition of bourbon brings an extra layer of richness and complexity to the flavor profile. Bourbon’s caramel notes complement the sweetness of the brown sugar and the tang of the BBQ sauce, creating a slightly smoky, slightly sweet taste.
To make Bourbon Baked Beans:
- Follow the basic recipe above, but add 2-3 tablespoons of bourbon when you stir in the BBQ sauce. Allow the bourbon to cook down for a few minutes before adding the remaining ingredients.
- You can also use a small amount of smoked bourbon for an added depth of flavor.
Bourbon Baked Beans work wonderfully with grilled meats or as a stand-alone side dish at a summer barbecue.
Barbecue Beans
Barbecue Beans are another variation that takes the traditional Baked Beans with Ground Beef recipe to new heights. By focusing on a robust barbecue flavor, this version leans heavily on smoky and tangy BBQ sauces to create a bold dish.
To make Barbecue Beans:
- Use your favorite barbecue sauce (you can even go for a spicy variety if you like a little heat).
- Feel free to add extra spices like paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to give the dish an extra kick.
- A touch of brown sugar can still be included to add balance to the smoky flavors.
Barbecue Beans are perfect for outdoor gatherings and pair especially well with grilled meats like sausages or steaks.
Cowboy Baked Beans
Cowboy Baked Beans take things up a notch by adding ingredients that are beloved in Western-style dishes. Often, these beans are packed with smoked meats like bacon, sausage, or even ham, giving them a hearty, rustic flavor that’s perfect for satisfying a hungry crowd.
To make Cowboy Baked Beans:
- Add ½ cup of cooked bacon or sausage along with the ground beef, or even use a mix of both for an extra smoky taste.
- You might also want to add a few jalapeños for some heat, and consider a more robust BBQ sauce with a hint of spice.
Cowboy Baked Beans are great for picnics, cookouts, or even as a main dish when served alongside cornbread and a cold beer.
Other Tips for Making the Best Baked Beans
- Slow Cooker Baked Beans: If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can easily convert this recipe into Slow Cooker Baked Beans. After browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables, simply transfer everything into a slow cooker, add the beans and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld together even more, creating an irresistible dish.
- Baked Beans with Bacon: For an even more flavorful version of Baked Beans with Ground Beef, try adding crispy bacon. Bacon not only adds a smoky flavor, but it also gives the dish a wonderful crunch. Just cook the bacon separately, crumble it, and stir it into the baked beans before baking.
- Make Ahead: Baked beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day or two, so this is an ideal dish for preparing ahead of time when hosting a large gathering.
- Freezing Baked Beans: Baked Beans with Ground Beef can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the beans to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or on the stove.
Bean Dishes: A Classic Comfort Food
Bean dishes like Baked Beans with Ground Beef are beloved for their comforting nature and versatility. Beans are not only nutritious, but they also serve as a fantastic base for creating hearty, filling meals that everyone will enjoy. The various options—such as Bourbon Baked Beans, Barbecue Beans, and Cowboy Baked Beans—show how beans can be adapted to different flavor profiles, whether you prefer a sweet, smoky, or spicy kick.
The combination of beans and ground beef is perfect for creating a satisfying meal that is both economical and tasty. Whether you’re preparing Baked Beans with Bacon for a family dinner or a Slow Cooker version for a busy day, these bean dishes will always be a hit.
Conclusion
Baked Beans with Ground Beef is an incredibly versatile and satisfying dish that can be tailored to suit any taste. From the classic, simple recipe to flavorful variations like Bourbon Baked Beans, Barbecue Beans, and Cowboy Baked Beans, this dish is sure to please at any occasion. Whether you choose to make them in the oven, slow cooker, or eve
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