Irresistible and Hearty Baked Beans with Ground Beef

If you’re craving something cozy, hearty, and satisfying, baked beans with ground beef is your go-to comfort dish. This recipe brings together the sweetness of baked beans and the savory richness of ground beef for a meal that’s quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

You’ll love how easily this dish comes together with pantry staples. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a potluck, or planning a weekend dinner, baked beans with ground beef ticks all the boxes—flavorful, filling, and freezer-friendly. And if you’re feeling adventurous, this dish is ripe for fusion: think Indian-inspired twists with tikka masala toppings or even smoky BBQ-style variations.

Let’s dive in and learn how to make this timeless dish, with ideas on how to elevate it from simple to sensational.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before getting started, gather your ingredients. This list includes everything for a classic version, with notes on optional twists and substitutions.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans (like Bush’s or your favorite brand)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup barbecue sauce for BBQ flavor

Optional Toppings & Add-Ins:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Tikka masala sauce or spice blend (for Indian fusion recipes)
• Jalapeños or hot sauce for heat

How to Make Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Step 1 – Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preparing your fresh ingredients. Dice the onions and bell peppers into small chunks. Drain any excess liquid from the baked beans if you prefer a thicker texture.

Place all your ingredients within arm’s reach—you’ll be combining everything fairly quickly once the beef is cooked.

Step 2 – Cook & Assemble

1. Brown the Beef:
   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks and stir occasionally for about 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Aromatics:
   Add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Mix in Flavor:
   Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the baked beans (and barbecue sauce if using). Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Simmer:
   Lower the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes uncovered, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken.

Step 3 – Serve & Enjoy

Once the mixture is thick and bubbling, it’s ready! Serve your baked beans with ground beef hot:

• Over white rice or mashed potatoes
• As a filling for baked potatoes
• With cornbread or dinner rolls
• Topped with tikka masala sauce for an Indian twist

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for future meals.

Tips to Perfect Your Baked Beans with Ground Beef

• Choose the Right Beans: Bush’s baked beans or “homestyle” varieties work great. You can even mix in kidney beans or pinto beans for texture.
• Drain or Not to Drain: Want a thicker dish? Drain some of the bean sauce. Prefer it saucy? Use the full contents.
• Go Smoky: Add 1/2 tsp liquid smoke or a spoonful of BBQ sauce for depth.
• Don’t Skip the Sweet: Brown sugar balances the tanginess—adjust to taste.
• Use Lean Beef: An 85/15 mix gives richness without being too greasy.

Variations & Substitutions

Looking to customize this recipe for baked beans with hamburger meat? Here are some tasty variations:

• BBQ Style: Add barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, and serve with coleslaw. Try the long-tail variation: how to make bbq baked beans with ground beef.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
• Cheesy Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with shredded cheddar, and broil for 5 minutes.
• Vegetarian Version: Use meatless crumbles or black beans instead of beef.
• Indian Fusion Flavor: Stir in tikka masala sauce and top with cilantro. This twist ties perfectly into Indian fusion recipes and tikka masala toppings.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 32g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 10g

(Based on standard serving, values may vary by ingredients used)

FAQs About Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Q1: How do you make baked beans with ground beef thicker?
Simmer uncovered for longer, or stir in a spoon of tomato paste or cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.

Q2: Can I use canned chili beans instead of baked beans?
Yes! It will give your dish a spicier edge. Adjust sugar and spices accordingly.

Q3: What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of water.

Q4: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works great and reduces the fat content without sacrificing flavor.

Q5: How to make Bush’s baked beans with ground beef taste homemade?
Add onions, garlic, brown sugar, and your favorite BBQ or mustard to upgrade canned beans into a homemade delight.

Final Thoughts

With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes of cook time, baked beans with ground beef can become a staple in your kitchen. It’s simple, adaptable, and packed with flavor—ideal for busy weeknights or comforting weekend meals.

Whether you go traditional, smoky BBQ, or explore Indian fusion recipes with tikka masala toppings, this dish always hits the spot. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Try it once, and you’ll soon understand why people call it one of the great baked beans recipes out there.