Baked Beans with Ground Beef
One of the best things about this beans and ground beef recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it over rice, alongside cornbread, or even enjoy it as a hearty topping for baked potatoes.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (optional)
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef and Beans
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 2 cans 15 oz each baked beans
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup bell peppers diced
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes for a bit of heat
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic. If using bell peppers, dice them now.
- Open the cans of baked beans and set them aside.
- Measure out your ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices so everything is ready to go.
- Pro Tip: Having all your ingredients prepped before cooking makes this beans and ground beef recipe stress-free and smooth.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat your large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, about 5–7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Pro Tip: Browning the beef well gives the dish a deeper flavor—don’t rush this step.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
- Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the chopped onion (and bell peppers, if using) to the empty side.
- Sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Pro Tip: Watch the garlic carefully—it cooks fast and can burn, which gives a bitter taste.
Step 4: Combine the Sauce
- Add the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Stir everything together, coating the beef and veggies evenly.
- Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors start to meld.
- Pro Tip: Stir continuously for a few seconds after adding the ketchup to prevent it from sticking to the pan bottom.
Step 5: Add the Beans
- Pour in the baked beans and gently mix them with the beef and sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add a pinch more salt, pepper, or brown sugar if desired.
- Pro Tip: Simmering low and slow helps the sauce thicken and lets the flavors fully develop.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon the baked beans with ground beef over rice, mashed potatoes, or toast.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if you like a fresh touch.
- Serve warm and enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors!
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 350–400 kcal
- Protein: 20–22 g
- Carbohydrates: 35–40 g
- Fiber: 6–8 g
- Sugars: 12–15 g
- Fat: 12–14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4–5 g
- Sodium: 700–800 mg