Hearty Baked Beans with Ground Beef: The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole

There’s nothing quite like a bubbling casserole of baked beans, especially when it’s infused with savory ground beef. This classic dish transforms humble beans into a truly satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner, preparing for a festive holiday gathering, or looking for the star dish at your next backyard cookout, these hearty baked beans with ground beef are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The addition of seasoned ground beef not only adds a rich depth of flavor but also creates a more substantial and fulfilling dish that can easily stand alone as a main course or serve as a robust side.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Baked Beans and Ground Beef Recipe

This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary experience waiting to happen. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation:

• Effortless Meal Prep: These baked beans with beef are fantastic for making ahead. Prepare a large batch, and you’ll have delicious, comforting meals ready to reheat throughout the week, making busy weeknights a breeze.
• A Complete and Satisfying Dish: The ground beef elevates traditional baked beans, adding a robust, meaty flavor and a delightful texture that transforms them into a more wholesome and complete meal. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate protein and make the dish truly filling.
• The Ultimate Sidekick: While robust enough to be a main, these beans are also the quintessential side dish. They pair perfectly with classic American comfort foods such as juicy grilled meats, perfectly charred hot dogs, succulent pulled pork, or a rack of smoky ribs.
• Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: From casual family dinners to grand holiday feasts and lively outdoor cookouts, this dish always receives rave reviews. Its comforting flavors and hearty nature appeal to everyone, ensuring there are never any leftovers.
• Budget-Friendly Goodness: Using inexpensive pantry staples like canned beans and ground beef, this recipe is incredibly economical without compromising on flavor or satisfaction. It’s a smart choice for feeding a family or a large gathering on a budget.
• Customizable to Your Taste: The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the sweetness, spice level, or even the type of beans to suit your personal preferences, making it uniquely yours every time.

Imagine the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as these savory beans simmer and bake. The combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, coupled with the rich texture of ground beef, creates a truly comforting and unforgettable dish. So, the next time you’re tasked with bringing a dish to a potluck or simply craving a hearty meal, look no further than these flavorful, protein-packed baked beans.

Essential Ingredients for Your Hearty Baked Beans

Crafting the perfect pan of baked beans with ground beef starts with a selection of simple, readily available ingredients. You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand already, making this a convenient recipe to whip up whenever the craving strikes. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy components is key to achieving that classic, irresistible flavor profile. Below is an overview of what you’ll need to create this comforting casserole.

Gather Your Pantry Staples:

• Oil: Any neutral cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil will work to sauté the aromatics and brown the beef.
• Lean Ground Beef: Opting for lean ground beef minimizes excess grease, ensuring a cleaner, less oily finished product. Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Yellow Onion: Diced yellow onion provides a foundational sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds a touch of vibrant color and a mild, sweet crunch. Green bell pepper can be used as a substitute if red isn’t available.
• Canned Baked Beans: The star of the show! Three cans of 15-16 ounce baked beans, drained. While any brand you love will work, vegetarian baked beans are a great choice for their slightly milder flavor profile, allowing the other ingredients to shine. You can also experiment with different types like navy beans or cannellini beans for a different texture.
• Smoked Paprika: This spice introduces a subtle smoky flavor that complements the ground beef and beans beautifully, adding an extra layer of complexity.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and balancing all the flavors.
• Sweet BBQ Sauce: A key ingredient for that signature tangy-sweet BBQ flavor. Choose your favorite brand of sweet or original BBQ sauce.
• Ketchup: Adds a classic tomato tang and a touch of sweetness, enriching the sauce.
• Light Brown Sugar: Contributes to the caramelized sweetness that is characteristic of traditional baked beans. Adjust the amount based on your preference for sweetness.
• Yellow Mustard: Provides a subtle piquancy that cuts through the sweetness and richness, adding a delightful zesty note.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for adding umami and a savory depth that ties all the flavors together.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Preparing this comforting casserole is straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for cooks of all skill levels. The process involves a quick stovetop sauté, followed by a period of baking in the oven to allow all the wonderful flavors to meld together perfectly. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly hearty and delicious pan of baked beans with ground beef.

Detailed Cooking Process:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when your bean mixture is ready for baking.
2. Sauté Onions: In a large, oven-safe skillet or a Dutch oven, add oil and place it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your diced yellow onion and sauté for approximately 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its sweet aroma.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onions. Break the beef apart with a spoon or spatula and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly browned and no longer pink. This step is crucial for developing flavor and texture. Once browned, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent your final dish from being overly oily.
4. Add Bell Pepper: Incorporate the diced red bell pepper into the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the pepper to soften slightly and its flavors to meld with the beef and onion.
5. Combine All Ingredients: Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the drained canned beans, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, sweet BBQ sauce, ketchup, light brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Take a moment to taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed – you might want a little more salt, pepper, or a touch more sweetness.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the entire mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish that has been lightly greased with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
7. Initial Bake (Covered): Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Covering the dish helps to steam the beans and infuse all the flavors without drying them out.
8. Final Bake (Uncovered): After 45 minutes, remove the foil. Continue to bake the beans uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture is visibly bubbly around the edges and has thickened to your desired consistency.
9. Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the beans to further thicken and the flavors to settle, resulting in an even more delicious and cohesive dish.

Amira’s Expert Tips for the Best Baked Beans

Achieving truly exceptional baked beans with ground beef goes beyond just following the steps. These insider tips will help you elevate your dish from good to absolutely unforgettable, ensuring maximum flavor and perfect texture every time.

• Serve as a Main Course: Don’t underestimate the heartiness of this dish. These Baked Beans with Ground Beef are substantial enough to be a standalone main course. Serve them alongside a generous slice of warm cornbread or fluffy biscuits for a complete and utterly satisfying meal.
• Drain Excess Grease: After browning your ground beef, it’s crucial to drain any accumulated excess grease from the skillet. This step prevents the final dish from being overly oily and ensures that the rich flavors of the beans and sauce shine through. A simple tilt of the pan and a spoon or paper towel can do the trick.
• Prevent Sticking: Always make sure to generously grease your baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a light coating of oil before transferring the bean mixture. This vital step prevents your delicious casserole from sticking to the bottom and sides, making cleanup significantly easier.
• Choose Your Beans Wisely: While the recipe calls for vegetarian baked beans, feel free to use your family’s favorite brand and type of baked beans. Different brands offer varying levels of sweetness and spice, so choose one that aligns with your taste. You can also experiment with other types of beans like cannellini, navy, or even pinto beans for a different texture and flavor base.
• Bell Pepper Flexibility: If red bell peppers aren’t available, don’t fret! Green bell peppers make an excellent substitute. They offer a slightly more pungent and earthy flavor profile, which can add another layer of complexity to the dish. Yellow or orange bell peppers also work beautifully for a milder sweetness.
• Flavor Development Overnight: For the absolute best flavor, consider making these baked beans the day before you plan to serve them. As with many casseroles and stews, the flavors have more time to meld and deepen overnight in the refrigerator, resulting in an even more harmonious and delicious dish the next day. Simply reheat gently before serving.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The amount of brown sugar and BBQ sauce can be adjusted based on how sweet you prefer your baked beans. Taste the mixture before baking and add more brown sugar, a splash of molasses, or extra BBQ sauce if you desire a sweeter profile.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: While a 9×13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe, ensure you’re not overfilling it. Leaving some space allows for proper bubbling and thickening during the baking process without overflowing.

Storage Guidelines for Leftovers

One of the best things about this baked beans with ground beef recipe is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying delicious leftovers later. Proper storage ensures your dish remains fresh and flavorful.

• Refrigeration: Allow the baked beans to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer any leftover baked beans to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re storing them directly in the casserole dish, be sure to cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent them from absorbing other fridge odors.
• Freezing: These beans freeze beautifully! Once cooled, transfer the cooked casserole into freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to leave a little headspace if using containers, as the beans may expand slightly when frozen. Properly stored, they can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply transfer them to the refrigerator overnight.

Make Ahead for Convenience

Preparing this dish in advance is a fantastic way to save time on busy days, making it an excellent option for entertaining or meal prepping. The flavors often deepen and improve after a day, so a make-ahead approach truly enhances the final result.

If you wish to assemble these hearty beans ahead of time, follow the instructions up to step 5: cook the ground beef and vegetables, then mix in the beans and all other ingredients. Once combined, transfer the mixture to your 9×13 inch baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, simply remove it from the fridge and bake in the preheated oven as directed, potentially adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be starting from a chilled state.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Baked Beans

These versatile baked beans with ground beef can effortlessly transition from a hearty side dish to a satisfying main course, depending on how you choose to serve them. Their rich, comforting flavors make them an excellent companion to a wide array of meals.

• As a Main Course: For a complete and fulfilling meal, serve this classic dish with a side of fluffy rice, such as this Instant Pot Basmati Rice. The rice soaks up the savory bean sauce beautifully, creating a wholesome and satisfying plate. You could also serve them with crusty bread for dipping or warm cornbread.
• Alongside Your Favorite Proteins: These beans shine as a complementary side dish to various grilled or roasted proteins. Consider serving them with succulent BBQ ribs, juicy grilled chicken, or alongside robust sandwiches like these Mushroom Swiss Burgers. Their sweet and savory profile is a natural match for smoky and grilled meats.
• Classic American BBQ Spreads: No backyard barbecue or summer potluck is complete without a generous serving of baked beans. They are a quintessential partner for hot dogs, bratwurst, pulled pork sandwiches, and grilled corn on the cob.

Exciting Variations to Explore

This bean casserole is incredibly versatile, inviting you to experiment with different ingredients and flavor profiles to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe truly your own!

• Bean Bonanza: This casserole is very adaptable. While the recipe calls for specific baked beans, feel free to use any beans you have on hand. Great Northern beans, navy beans, cannellini beans, or even a mix of different types of beans can add unique textures and flavors.
• Lighter Meat Options: For a leaner twist, you can easily make this dish with ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef. Adjust cooking times slightly to ensure the poultry is cooked through.
• Smoky Cowboy Beans: Elevate the smoky flavor by adding some cooked, crispy bacon bits to the mixture before baking. For a true “cowboy beans” casserole, incorporate a variety of beans (like kidney beans and black beans) along with the traditional baked beans, and perhaps a dash of liquid smoke for an extra deep, smoky essence.
• Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, consider adding some finely diced jalapeño peppers to the skillet when you’re sautéing the onion and bell pepper. For an even more intense kick, stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.
• Sweet & Tangy Boost: For an extra layer of sweetness and tang, stir in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or a touch of molasses along with the brown sugar. This can deepen the traditional baked bean flavor profile.
• Herbaceous Notes: Fresh or dried herbs can add an aromatic touch. Try adding a teaspoon of dried thyme or a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro at the end of cooking for a burst of freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Discover More Delicious Bean-Inspired Recipes

If you’re a true bean enthusiast, you’ll love exploring these other flavorful recipes that celebrate the versatility of beans in various culinary forms. From fresh salads to comforting casseroles, there’s a bean dish for every palate.

• If you are a fan of beans then next time you may want to give this Mediterranean Green Beans recipe a try. They are super simple to make and full of vibrant Mediterranean flavor.
• If you prefer a delicious, light bean salad as a side dish, then you may also enjoy this refreshing White Bean Salad recipe. It’s perfect for picnics or a light lunch.
• This Black Bean and Chickpea Salad is another great option if you are looking for a light and fresh dish to serve alongside grilled items or as a healthy standalone meal.
• This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole captures all the savory flavors of old-fashioned stuffed peppers and transforms them into an easy and delightful casserole meal.

More Delicious Ground Beef Recipes to Try

Ground beef is a wonderfully versatile ingredient that forms the foundation of countless comforting and easy meals. If you enjoyed this baked beans casserole, you’re sure to love these other fantastic ground beef creations:

• Warm comfort food at its best, this Ground Beef Doritos Casserole is a super delicious, savory mix of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and crunchy Doritos. It’s a kid-friendly meal that busy parents will appreciate.
• Our Big Mac Casserole offers a fun and easy twist on the favorite Big Mac classic sandwich, presented in a hearty and comforting casserole form. All the iconic flavors without the bun!
• Here are our favorite Ground Beef Empanadas, made easily with store-bought dough and filled with a richly flavorful ground beef mixture. Perfect for an appetizer or a light meal.
• Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is a classic comfort food recipe that expertly combines flavorful ground beef with crispy hashbrowns and melted cheese. Try this healthier take on this beloved casserole, skipping the cream of chicken soup for a fresher taste.

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Essential Equipment for Baked Beans with Ground Beef

To prepare this delicious baked beans with ground beef recipe, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. These items are commonly found in most kitchens and will help ensure a smooth cooking process.

• 9×13 casserole dish: Ideal for baking this hearty casserole evenly.
• Large skillet: Essential for browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables. An oven-safe skillet can save you a step.

Baked Beans with Ground Beef

This ground beef baked beans recipe is the perfect sweet and savory side dish for your cookout or during the holidays.

5 from 3 votes

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Diet: Halal

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Servings: 6 Servings

Calories: 692kcal

Author: Amira

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoon oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cans (15-16 ounce each) beans, drained (I used vegetarian baked beans)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¾ cup sweet bbq sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 ½ Tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 ½ Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and sauté diced onion for 3 minutes or until translucent.
3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and brown until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
4. Add diced bell pepper and cook for another couple of minutes until slightly softened.
5. Add drained beans and all other seasoning ingredients (smoked paprika, salt, pepper, BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce). Mix well and taste to adjust seasoning as desired.
6. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Uncover the baking dish and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and has thickened to your preference.
8. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to further thicken.

Notes

• You can use pretty much any beans you like, adjusting seasoning if using unflavored beans.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy for more information.

Nutrition

Calories: 692kcal |
Carbohydrates: 110g |
Protein: 38g |
Fat: 15g |
Saturated Fat: 4g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 7g |
Trans Fat: 0.3g |
Cholesterol: 75mg |
Sodium: 2258mg |
Potassium: 1728mg |
Fiber: 23g |
Sugar: 25g |
Vitamin A: 925IU |
Vitamin C: 36mg |
Calcium: 251mg |
Iron: 9mg

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