Baked Beans Recipe with Ground Beef: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

Baked beans. The name itself conjures up images of summer barbecues, cozy campfire cookouts, and potlucks overflowing with deliciousness. But let’s be honest, some baked beans are…well, bland. This recipe aims to change that. We’re not just opening a can and adding ketchup. We’re building layers of flavor, starting with a base of hearty ground beef and culminating in a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet masterpiece that will have everyone clamoring for seconds. Get ready to ditch the store-bought version forever – this homemade baked beans recipe with ground beef is about to become your new go-to!

Why This Recipe Works

This isn’t your grandma’s plain-Jane baked beans recipe (unless your grandma was secretly a culinary genius!). This version elevates the classic dish by focusing on several key elements:

• Ground Beef Base: Adding ground beef provides a savory depth and heartiness that canned beans simply can’t match. It creates a more substantial and satisfying dish, making it a complete meal on its own or a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats.
• Layered Flavors: We’re not relying on a single source of sweetness. Molasses, brown sugar, and a touch of maple syrup (optional, but highly recommended!) contribute complex sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly.
• Smoked Paprika: This secret weapon adds a smoky depth that mimics the flavor of traditional pit-smoked baked beans without requiring hours of actual smoking.
• Bacon (Optional, but Encouraged!): Because, well, bacon. Need we say more? It adds another layer of smoky goodness and crispy texture.
• Slow and Low Baking: The long, slow baking process allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a truly unforgettable dish. It also helps the beans to soften and become incredibly tender.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
• 2 (28 ounce) cans baked beans (such as Bush’s Best), undrained
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked and crumbled bacon (if using), baked beans (undrained), ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Simmer (Optional): For a deeper flavor, simmer the mixture on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is optional, but it helps the flavors meld together even more before baking.
5. Bake: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Pour the bean mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Bake Until Bubbly: Bake uncovered for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the beans are bubbly and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally during baking to prevent sticking.
7. Add Maple Syrup (Optional): During the last 30 minutes of baking, stir in the maple syrup (if using). This adds a touch of extra sweetness and complexity.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the baked beans from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken further and the flavors to meld even more. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Choose Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your baked beans. Opt for good quality ground beef, bacon, and canned beans.
• Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the bean mixture helps to develop their flavor and prevents them from being too harsh.
• Adjust the Sweetness: The amount of brown sugar and molasses can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amounts slightly. If you like it sweeter, add a little more.
• Add a Touch of Heat: For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the bean mixture.
• Use a Dutch Oven: If you have a Dutch oven, you can use it for both browning the beef and baking the beans. This simplifies the process and reduces cleanup.
• Customize with Your Favorite Flavors: Feel free to experiment with other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers, chopped jalapenos, or different types of beans.
• Prevent Sticking: Stirring the beans occasionally during baking prevents them from sticking to the bottom of the dish. If you notice them starting to stick, add a little water or broth to the dish.

Storage Instructions

Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a little water or broth if the beans have thickened too much during storage.

Baked beans can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow the beans to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQ

• Can I use different types of beans? Yes! Great Northern beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans can be used in place of or in addition to the baked beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and bacon. You can add some chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to add some extra flavor and texture.
• Can I use a slow cooker? Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic as directed. Then, transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Why are my baked beans too watery? If your baked beans are too watery, you can bake them for a longer period of time to allow the sauce to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the mixture during the last 30 minutes of baking to help thicken the sauce.
• Why are my baked beans too sweet? If your baked beans are too sweet, you can add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the sweetness. You can also reduce the amount of brown sugar and molasses in the recipe.

Conclusion

This baked beans recipe with ground beef is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of savory ground beef, smoky paprika, and sweet molasses creates a truly unforgettable dish that will have everyone coming back for more. So, fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy the best baked beans you’ve ever tasted! This is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavor and comfort food at its finest. Enjoy!