Hearty & Easy Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Growing up in the countryside, there were two things you could count on at every family gathering: laughter that echoed across the fields and a giant pot of baked beans with ground beef simmering away, filling the whole house with a savory-sweet aroma that pulled you straight to the kitchen.

My grandmother, a true queen of country cooking, used to say, “If you can make baked beans right, you can feed an army—and they’ll come back asking for seconds.”
This dish holds a special place in my heart, and today, I’m thrilled to share it with you. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a comforting winter dinner, or just need a soul-warming meal, this recipe promises to deliver every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and filling: The addition of ground beef turns classic baked beans into a protein-packed main dish.
• Budget-friendly: Simple pantry staples come together to make a meal that feels luxurious yet costs little.
• Great for gatherings: Makes 6–8 generous servings—perfect for potlucks, family reunions, or meal prepping.
• Easy to customize: You can add a spicy kick, extra veggies, or even swap the meat.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for the perfect pot of baked beans with ground beef:

• 1 pound ground beef (85/15 for flavor)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cans (15 ounces each) pork and beans, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Optional: a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions

How to Make Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Halfway through, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic.
Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 7–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and become deliciously fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Beans

Pour in the pork and beans, kidney beans, and black beans. Gently stir everything together until well combined.
Be sure to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that’s pure flavor!

Step 4: Simmer or Bake

At this point, you have two cooking options:

• Stovetop: Cover and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Oven-baked: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer everything to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 45 minutes for a slightly caramelized finish.

Pro Tip: Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking if you want a thicker, stickier sauce.

Tips for Perfect Baked Beans with Ground Beef

• Use quality beef: Look for a good 85/15 blend for the best balance of flavor and texture.
• Taste as you go: Different barbecue sauces can vary in sweetness and spice—adjust seasonings to your preference.
• Don’t rush: Simmering allows the sauce to thicken and the beans to soak up all the smoky-sweet flavors.

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Variations and Add-Ins

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chipotle powder.
• Vegetable Boost: Stir in diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini.
• Cheesy Top: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top before the final minutes of baking.
• Bacon Lovers: Brown a few strips of chopped bacon and add it in with the beef.

What to Serve with Baked Beans with Ground Beef

This dish pairs beautifully with classic country sides like:

• Cornbread (try my Easy Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread)
• Coleslaw (especially a tangy vinegar-based version)
• Potato Salad (Southern style, heavy on the mustard)
• Grilled Vegetables for a lighter balance

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Fun Fact: Some say baked beans taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen!

Why This Dish Never Goes Out of Style

Baked beans with ground beef are the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs and fills your kitchen with the smell of love.
It’s flexible, family-friendly, and full of memories. Every bite feels like a warm hug from a simpler time, where a big pot of something good could make a long day better.

And as my nonna used to say while ladling heaping spoonfuls into bowls:
“Good food is good company, even when you’re eating alone.”
I hope this recipe brings you the same comfort and joy it brought to my family.