Growing up, the smell of baked beans with ground beef in the kitchen meant family was coming. This dish’s rich flavors and hearty texture are unforgettable. Now, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, so you can enjoy it too.
Table of Contents
What Makes These Baked Beans Special
These baked beans with ground beef and bean casserole stand out from the usual baked bean and meat dish. They have a unique flavor thanks to a Southern-style twist. This meaty baked bean recipe mixes sweet and savory tastes for a delicious dish.
Traditional Southern Style Influence
The dish uses maple syrup, brown sugar, and spices for a Southern flair. These ingredients add depth and complexity. They make the beef and bean casserole more than just a basic baked bean and meat dish.
Perfect for Gatherings and Potlucks
This meaty baked bean recipe is great for big events like gatherings, picnics, or potlucks. It’s hearty and satisfying. It works well as a main dish or a big side dish.
Hearty and Satisfying Combination
The mix of ground beef, smoky bacon, and tender baked beans is hearty and satisfying. The meat’s savory taste goes well with the beans’ sweetness. This makes the dish comforting and tempting.
“These baked beans are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them a hit at any gathering. The addition of ground beef takes this dish to the next level of deliciousness.”
Essential Ingredients for Your Baked Beans with Ground Beef Recipe
To make a tasty bean and beef bake, you need the right ingredients. This recipe focuses on a few key items. They come together to make a dish that’s both comforting and delicious.
Start with lean ground beef. You can also use ground turkey if you prefer. Add bacon, green bell pepper, and onion for extra flavor. The main ingredient is two 28-ounce cans of Bush’s Original Baked Beans.
For flavor, use brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This mix creates a perfect blend of flavors.
If you like a bit of spice, add diced jalapeño peppers. You can also use different colored bell peppers for a nice look.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lean Ground Beef | 1 pound |
| Bacon, cooked and crumbled | 1/4 cup |
| Green Bell Pepper, diced | 1 medium |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Canned Baked Beans | 2 (28 oz) cans |
| Brown Sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Ketchup | 1/2 cup |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Yellow Mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Jalapeño Peppers (optional) | 1/4 cup, diced |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty bean and beef bake. It’s great for any event or potluck.
Kitchen Equipment and Tools Needed
To make the tasty baked beans with ground beef recipe or beef and bean hotdish, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. We’ll cover the must-have cookware, optional smoking gear, and extra tools to make cooking easy.
Recommended Cookware
A large pot or Dutch oven is key for this recipe. It’s strong enough to brown the ground beef and simmer the baked beans. Also, a casserole dish or baking pan is needed for baking the dish in the oven.
Optional Smoking Equipment
Want a smokier flavor? Use a grill or smoker. If you have a charcoal or gas grill, place the pot or casserole dish on the grates. This lets the beans soak up the smoky taste.
Additional Kitchen Tools
- A sharp chef’s knife for chopping the vegetables
- A can opener to easily access the canned beans
- Measuring cups and spoons to precisely measure the ingredients
- A sturdy spoon or spatula for stirring and mixing the baked beans
With these tools and equipment, you’re ready to make a comforting and tasty baked beans with ground beef or beef and bean hotdish in your kitchen.
Preparing Your Ingredients
Getting your ingredients ready for baked beans with ground beef is key. Make sure to chop, measure, and organize everything well. This makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to do:
- Begin by cutting the bacon into small pieces. This adds a smoky taste to your cowboy baked beans.
- Chop the green bell pepper and onion finely. They add a rich flavor to the dish.
- If you’re using frozen ground beef, thaw it safely. Bring it to room temperature before cooking.
- Measure the brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. These ingredients balance the flavors in your baked beans.
- Lastly, open the cans of baked beans. Have them ready to add to the mix.
Preparing your ingredients ahead of time makes cooking smoother. It ensures your hearty baked beans are perfect every time.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps to make your baked beans with ground beef. From browning the meat to simmering the final dish, this guide will help you make baked beans with ground beef that taste amazing every time.
Browning the Meat
Begin by cooking 4 slices of chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Once the bacon is crisp, remove it from the pan and set it aside, keeping the bacon fat in the pan.
Add 1 diced yellow onion and 1 diced bell pepper to the bacon fat and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until they’re softened. Then, add 1 pound of ground beef to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Adding Vegetables and Seasonings
To the browned beef, add 2 (15-ounce) cans of baked beans, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Final Cooking Process
Bring the beef and bean casserole to a simmer and let it cook, uncovered, for 10-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or any other desired spices.
Once the flavors have melded and the sauce has reached your preferred thickness, your delicious baked beans with ground beef are ready to serve! Garnish with the reserved crispy bacon, if desired.
Customizing Your Flavor Profile
This baked bean and meat dish lets you tailor the taste to your liking. Start with the recipe and tweak it to match your taste. You can make it sweeter or spicier, depending on what you like.
Check how sweet your canned beans are. If they’re sweet, cut down on the brown sugar. For a sweeter dish, add more brown sugar. Adjust the ketchup to get the tanginess you want.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- Try different mustards, like Dijon or stone-ground, for more flavor.
- Use a unique barbecue sauce, like chipotle or honey-based, for a special taste.
This baked bean and meat dish is all about being flexible. Feel free to mix and match seasonings and ingredients. You can create a flavor that’s just right for you.
| Ingredient | Original Amount | Customized Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Sugar | 1/2 cup | 1/4 cup |
| Ketchup | 1 cup | 3/4 cup |
| Jalapeños | 0 | 1 minced |
| Mustard | 1 tbsp yellow | 2 tsp Dijon |
| Barbecue Sauce | 1 cup | 1/2 cup chipotle |
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These tasty baked beans with ground beef are perfect as a side dish. They go great with grilled meats, hot dogs, or juicy hamburgers. They’re also great on their own, served over steaming white rice or with warm, buttery cornbread.
Perfect Side Dishes
- Creamy coleslaw
- Tangy potato salad
- Fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette
- Garlic-infused roasted vegetables
Main Course Options
- Grilled chicken or pork chops
- Juicy hamburgers or hot dogs
- Smoked or barbecued brisket or ribs
- Baked or fried chicken
The ground beef with baked beans is a hit with everyone. It can be the main attraction or a tasty side. Pair it with your favorite dishes for a meal that will wow your guests.
Storage and Reheating Tips
After enjoying your homemade beefy baked beans or baked beans with ground beef recipe, you might wonder how to store and reheat leftovers. Storing and reheating correctly helps keep the dish’s flavor and texture. This way, you can enjoy it again and again.
To store your baked beans with ground beef, put leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For reheating, you have a few easy options:
- Microwave method: Place the baked beans in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Stovetop method: Transfer the baked beans to a pan. Reheat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until piping hot.
For longer storage, freeze the beefy baked beans for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. The flavors often get better after a day or two, making it perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
| Nutrition Facts (per 1/2 cup serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Total Fat | 7.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 26.5g |
| Fiber | 5.1g |
| Protein | 11.9g |
| Cholesterol | 25.3mg |
| Sodium | 510.7mg |
| Sugar | 11.9g |
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your homemade beefy baked beans or baked beans with ground beef recipe again and again. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty texture whenever you want!
Variations and Substitutions
Exploring your baked beans with ground beef can lead to endless fun! You can change up the protein, meet dietary needs, or try new flavors. There are many ways to mix things up.
Meat Alternatives
Want a leaner option? Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. They offer a similar texture and are a bit lighter. For vegetarians, plant-based ground meat or more beans are great choices.
Dietary Modifications
Make your baked beans healthier by changing the sweeteners. Use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness. For low-sugar diets, pick low-sugar beans or use less sugar.
Need gluten-free? Make sure all your ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce, are gluten-free. With a few changes, you can enjoy beef and bean hotdish or baked beans without dietary worries.
Experimenting with different ingredients is key. Find the perfect mix of flavors and ingredients that you love. Enjoy the delicious journey!
Tips for Making Ahead and Batch Cooking
The cowboy baked beans with ground beef recipe is perfect for making ahead and batch cooking. Make it a day early to let the flavors mix and get richer. This makes the dish even more delicious and satisfying.
For big gatherings or potlucks, double the recipe and cook it in a bigger pot or split it between two dishes. This makes serving a crowd easy without the stress of making many batches. You can also halve the recipe for smaller groups, great for family dinners or meals with a few friends.
When reheating the baked beans with ground beef, the ground beef might get dense. To fix this, cook the ground beef separately and mix it in just before serving. This keeps the dish’s texture and consistency perfect.
| Cooking Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Make Ahead | Prepare the cowboy baked beans with ground beef a day in advance for enhanced flavors. |
| Batch Cooking | Double the recipe and cook in a larger pot or divide between two baking dishes for large gatherings. |
| Portion Control | Easily halve the recipe for smaller portions suitable for intimate family dinners or meals with a few friends. |
| Reheating Texture | Cook the ground beef separately and add it to the beans just before serving for optimal texture when reheating. |
By using these tips, you can make the baked beans with ground beef recipe ahead of time and batch cook it. This ensures a tasty and stress-free meal every time.
Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid
When making a tasty beef and bean casserole or baked bean and meat dish, watch out for common errors. One big mistake is overcooking the bacon, which can make it taste bitter. Make sure to cook it just right to get that perfect crispiness without losing flavor.
Another mistake is throwing away all the bacon fat. This fat adds a rich flavor to your dish. Keep a bit of it to add to your recipe. But, be careful not to add too much salt, as bacon and canned beans are already salty.
- Keep the beans moist by adding water as needed to keep the right consistency.
- Don’t hurry the simmering process. It’s important for developing flavors and texture in your beef and bean casserole or baked bean and meat dish.
“Patience is key when it comes to creating the perfect baked bean and meat dish. Allow the flavors to meld and the textures to develop for the most satisfying results.”
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make sure your beef and bean casserole or baked bean and meat dish is delicious every time.
Conclusion
This meaty baked bean recipe with ground beef is a delightful and hearty dish. It’s perfect for many occasions. You can also customize the flavors to fit your taste or dietary needs.
It’s great as a side dish or the main course. This comforting meal will quickly become a family favorite.
Storing and reheating the baked beans with ground beef makes it ideal for meal prep. The mix of savory ground beef, tender Bush’s Baked Beans, and seasonings is satisfying and flavorful. It’s sure to impress your guests.
When you start making this baked beans with ground beef recipe, remember the key tips. Properly browning the meat and adjusting sweetness and spice levels are crucial. This guide will help you make the perfect baked bean dish every time.
Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and share this delicious recipe with your loved ones.
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