Dive into the heartwarming flavors of Baked Beans with Ground Beef, a classic dish that brings together the smoky richness of baked beans with the savory goodness of ground beef. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or cozy family dinners, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to leave everyone satisfied. With its blend of sweet and tangy flavors, hearty ingredients, and simple preparation, this dish embodies comfort food at its finest. Get ready to enjoy a taste of nostalgia with every bite!
Ingredients:
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 x 16 oz cans of Bush’s Original Baked Beans
- 1/2 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory and Brown Sugar barbecue sauce (or your favorite sweet barbecue sauce)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook Bacon and Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the lean ground beef, minced garlic, diced onion, and diced bell peppers. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, crispy bacon, Bush’s Original Baked Beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling and heated through.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the foil and let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade baked beans with ground beef!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Bacon: For extra flavor, you can use smoked bacon or maple bacon in this recipe.
- Beans: Feel free to use your favorite brand of baked beans in this dish. You can also experiment with different flavors, such as maple or bourbon baked beans.
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
- Make It Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and bacon to make this dish vegetarian-friendly. You can add extra vegetables or vegetarian sausage for added flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, you can substitute lean ground turkey for the ground beef if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as ground turkey may cook faster than ground beef.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before baking as directed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow the leftovers to cool completely, then transfer them to freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. Label the containers with the date and contents, then freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven until heated through.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this dish, you can substitute the baked beans with low-carb beans or legumes, such as black soybeans or chickpeas. Replace the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener, such as erythritol or stevia. Use a sugar-free barbecue sauce and ketchup to reduce the carb content further.
- Low-Carb Version: Reduce the amount of brown sugar used in the recipe or omit it altogether. Use a low-carb barbecue sauce and ketchup to keep the carb count low. You can also add extra vegetables, such as diced tomatoes or mushrooms, to bulk up the dish without adding extra carbs.
Baked Beans with Ground Beef is a timeless dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its blend of savory and sweet flavors, hearty ingredients, and simple preparation, it’s a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply craving a comforting meal at home, this dish is sure to satisfy. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the delicious taste of homemade baked beans with ground beef—it’s comfort food at its finest!
