Of course! Savory Baked Beans with Ground Beef transforms a simple side dish into a hearty, satisfying main course or potluck superstar. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy dish that everyone loves.
Think of it as a deconstructed Sloppy Joe meets classic baked beans, but even better.
Savory Baked Beans with Ground Beef
This recipe is a one-skillet wonder, packed with protein and a sweet, smoky, and savory sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
· 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal for flavor)
· 1 medium yellow onion, diced
· 1 green bell pepper, diced
· 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
· 2 (28 oz) cans original baked beans (like Bush’s or Van Camp’s)
· ½ cup ketchup
· ¼ cup barbecue sauce
· 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup)
· 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· Salt, to taste
· Optional for topping: 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink. Drain off most of the excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for cooking the vegetables.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables have softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the baked beans, ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a bubble, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed (the baked beans and sauces often have plenty). Top with crumbled bacon if using, and serve hot.
Why This Recipe is a Winner: Tips & Variations
· For a Deeper Flavor (Oven-Baked Method): After step 3, cover the oven-safe skillet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-45 minutes. This gives the flavors more time to develop and creates a slightly caramelized top.
· Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a diced jalapeño with the onions, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
· Make it “Cowboy” Style: Add 1 can of drained kidney beans and 1 can of drained diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel).
· The Secret Ingredient: A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar stirred in at the end of cooking can brighten all the flavors and cut through the richness beautifully.
· Make it a Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish, top with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese, and bake at 350°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How to Serve
· As a Main Dish: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of cornbread for a complete, comforting meal.
· As a Side Dish: A classic companion for grilled hot dogs, burgers, or barbecue.
· The Ultimate Potluck Food: This travels well and is always a hit. Just keep it warm in a slow cooker on the “low” setting.
This Savory Baked Beans with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food that is both simple to make and deeply satisfying. Enjoy