Baked Beans With Ground Beef: Easy Comfort Food Recipe

Author

Big Ks Que

Hey yall ! My name is Kevin , but just Call me Bigk ! Backyard bbq is my passion, so back in 2020 we turned on the camera and started sharing our journey with yall. Come on in fix ya a plate , and welcome to the family -Big K

A person in a brown apron cooks ground beef and chopped green bell peppers in a cast iron skillet on an induction cooktop, stirring with a wooden spoon and holding a small white bowl above the pan.

There's nothing quite like the comfort of a warm bowl of baked beans with ground beef. This dish has a way of bringing everyone together, whether it's a backyard BBQ or a cozy family dinner. Trust me, once you try this easy comfort food recipe, you'll be hooked – it's hearty, smoky, and just downright delicious.

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What makes this dish even better is how simple it is to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you'll create a dish that’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side, making it perfect for any occasion.

Let’s dive into why you're gonna love this recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

First off, this baked beans with ground beef recipe is all about flavor. The combination of savory ground beef, sweet baked beans, and a touch of brown sugar creates a rich, mouthwatering dish that's hard to resist. Each bite brings a balance of sweetness and smokiness, with a hint of spice from the cumin that ties everything together.

Another reason you'll love this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to pull this off – it’s straightforward and requires minimal prep. Plus, it's perfect for meal prepping, so you can whip up a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Person squeezing French’s yellow mustard onto baked beans in a cast iron skillet on an induction cooktop, with a wooden spatula resting in the beans. Person wears a brown apron and gray shirt.

Seriously, these beans disappear faster than a cold beer in July!

Ingredients & Tools You'll Need

To get started, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Grab two 27.5 oz cans of baked beans, a pound of ground beef, and some diced green bell pepper and onion. You’ll also want brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and cumin to bring everything together.

I like to keep it simple, but you can always jazz it up with some extra spices if you're feeling adventurous.

As for tools, you’ll need a large skillet for browning the beef and veggies, a mixing bowl for combining everything, and either a smoker or an oven set to 300 degrees. Don't forget a spatula for stirring – you're going to want to make sure everything is well-mixed for that perfect flavor.

How To Make It

Now let's break down how to make this dish. It's pretty straightforward, but I’ll walk you through each step so you feel confident when you’re in the kitchen.

A hand stirs baked beans in a cast iron skillet on a smoker grill with the lid open; smoke is visible, and the grill has LONE STAR embossed on the inside of the lid. Brick wall in the background.

Preparation

Start by browning the ground beef in your skillet over medium heat. Add in the diced green bell pepper and onion, sautéing until the vegetables are soft and the beef is fully cooked. This is where the magic happens – the aroma of the beef and veggies sizzling together is out of this world.

Once everything is cooked, you can drain any excess grease if you want to keep it lighter. Then, in a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with the baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and cumin. Stir it all together until everything is well mixed.

You want every bite to be full of flavor!

Cooking

Now it's time to cook this delicious mixture. Transfer the bean and beef mixture to a baking dish and place it in your preheated oven or smoker. The key here is to let it bake for about an hour, stirring every 20 minutes to keep everything nice and blended.

You'll know it's ready when the beans are bubbling, and the sauce has thickened to a perfect consistency. The smell wafting through your kitchen will make your mouth water, and the color will deepen to a beautiful, rich brown. Trust me on this one – the longer it cooks, the better it gets!

A close-up of baked beans simmering in a cast iron skillet on a grill, with an oven mitt holding the pan handle and green grass visible in the background.

Serving & Variations

When it comes to serving, there are endless possibilities. You can enjoy these baked beans by themselves or serve them as a side dish to your favorite grilled meats. They're great with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal.

A person wearing a brown apron adds chopped onions from a cutting board into a cast iron skillet with ground meat and diced green bell peppers on an induction cooktop.

A common consensus among home cooks is that adding some crispy bacon or a sprinkle of cheese on top right before serving takes this dish to the next level. If you're feeling creative, throw in some jalapeños for a spicy kick or swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken. This recipe is all about making it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions

What beans are best to use for Babe's Baked Beans?

You can use navy beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans depending on your preference.

How long does it take to bake Babe's Baked Beans?

The beans need to bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours at 350F.

Can Babe's Baked Beans be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beans a day in advance and refrigerate them, then bake them before serving.

Are there any vegetarian options for Babe's Baked Beans?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth and omit any meat ingredients.

What can I serve with Babe's Baked Beans?

They pair well with grilled meats, cornbread, or a fresh salad.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it – a simple, delicious recipe for baked beans with ground beef that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you're serving it at a gathering or just enjoying a cozy night in, it's a dish that brings comfort and joy to the table. I hope you give it a try and make it part of your cooking repertoire!