Easy Baked Beans with Ground Beef Recipe for Dinner

Looking for a hearty dinner that everyone will enjoy? This baked beans with ground beef recipe is perfect! It’s great for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight meal. It mixes classic baked beans with savory ground beef for a delicious taste.

In just 55 minutes, you can make a tasty dinner that everyone will love. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook. This recipe is full of flavor but easy to make.

Key Takeaways

Quick and easy preparation time of 55 minutes
Serves 8 people generously
Low-cost meal perfect for feeding a crowd
Nutritious with balanced protein and carbohydrates
Versatile dish suitable for multiple occasions
Simple ingredients readily available in most kitchens
Can be prepared in slow cooker or oven

Why This Hearty Dish Is Perfect for Family Dinners

Baked beans with ground beef is a top pick for family dinners. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. It’s a true favorite in home cooking.

Comfort Food Appeal

Comfort food recipes like baked beans with ground beef are more than just food. They bring families together with their warm, hearty taste. Each bite is a mix of flavors that remind us of home.

Budget-Friendly Option

This recipe is great for families on a budget. It uses affordable ingredients to make a big, tasty meal for up to 6 people. Ground beef and canned beans keep costs low.

Serves 6 people
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Uses only three main ingredients

Crowd-Pleasing Potentia

This dish is loved by all. It’s perfect for family gatherings or weeknight meals. You can add your own twist with different seasonings or sides.

This recipe makes any dinner special. It’s simple, affordable, and full of flavor. It turns a regular meal into a memorable family moment.

Essential Ingredients for Baked Beans with Ground Beef Recipe

To make the best baked beans with ground beef, pick the right ingredients. They should mix savory and sweet tastes. The ground beef is key for a dish that’s both rich and satisfying.

Here’s what you’ll need for this tasty recipe:

1 pound lean ground beef (90-93% recommended)
2 cans (28 ounces) of baked beans
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
Sauce ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar

For great baked beans, balance the ground beef with the right seasonings. Use salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to boost the meat’s taste. Smoked paprika or chili powder can add more flavor.

Pro tip: Use high-quality, lean ground beef for a tender and tasty dish. The mix of BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar makes a sauce that’s irresistible. It pairs well with the beans and beef.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make tasty baked beans with ground beef, you need the right tools. The right utensils make cooking easier and more fun. Let’s look at the key kitchen tools for baking beans that will help you make a great meal.

Essential Cooking Tools

Starting with the right cooking equipment is key for making baked beans with ground beef. Here are the main tools you’ll need:

Large skillet or Dutch oven for browning ground beef
Wooden spoon for stirring ingredients
Sharp chef’s knife for chopping vegetables
Cutting board
Spatula for mixing and serving

Baking Dishes

The right baking dish can really change how your baked beans taste and feel. Here are some good options:

9×13 inch ceramic casserole dish
Cast iron skillet with high sides
Deep baking pan

Measuring Equipment

When making baked beans, being precise is important. The right measurements help get the flavors just right:

Measuring cups (dry and liquid)
Measuring spoons
Kitchen scale for precise ingredient portioning

Getting good kitchen tools for baked beans will improve your cooking. It makes the process more fun and efficient.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making baked beans with ground beef is simpler than you might think. This tasty recipe needs careful steps to make a dish that everyone will love.

Here’s how to cook it in easy stages:

Preheat the oven to 350°F, setting up the perfect cooking spot
Cook 1 pound of ground beef in a big skillet over medium heat
Chop 1 medium onion finely and add it to the beef while it cooks
Drain any extra grease from the meat and onion mix
In a big bowl, mix together:
- 4 (12-ounce) cans of baked beans
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine the cooked ground beef with the bean mix
Put the mix in a baking dish
Bake without a cover for 1 hour until it’s hot and bubbly

These steps will guide you to making a hearty, tasty dish for 8 people. It takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes to prepare and cook, great for any dinner or weekend meal.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Preparation

Mastering ground beef cooking tips is key to a tasty baked beans dish. The right meat preparation can take your recipe from good to great. Let’s look at the main strategies for picking, seasoning, and preparing ground beef for a memorable meal.

Selecting the Right Meat

When picking ground beef, keep these points in mind:

Choose 80/20 ground beef for the best taste and moisture
Go for fresh, high-quality meat from a trusted butcher
Make sure the meat’s color is bright red and has no brown edges

Proper Seasoning Techniques

Seasoning is vital in meat preparation. Aim for a flavor that goes well with your baked beans:

Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Add garlic powder for extra depth
Try a light touch of paprika for a hint of warmth

Draining Excess Fat

Getting rid of extra fat makes your dish healthier and tastier. Here are some tips:

Drain fat after browning with a colander
Press the meat gently to remove more grease
Pat with paper towels to soak up any remaining oil

By following these meat preparation techniques, your ground beef will be perfectly cooked. It will add rich flavor and texture to your baked beans.

Customizing Your Bean Mixture

Exploring baked beans variations lets home cooks make a classic recipe their own. You can pick from many tasty options to make your dish unique. This way, your dish will stand out from the usual.

Here are some fun ways to change up your bean mix:

Bean Type Variations
- Navy beans (traditional choice)
- Pinto beans for a creamy texture
- Kidney beans for added color
- Black beans for a robust flavor
Brand Flexibility
- Bush’s Original Baked Beans
- Heinz Vegetarian Beans
- B&M Original Baked Beans

When you customize, play with flavors by tweaking sweetness and spice. A little honey or maple syrup can sweeten things up. Chipotle peppers or hot sauce can add a spicy twist.

Don’t forget about protein swaps. Try ground turkey, chorizo, or plant-based meats for new flavors. These changes can make your baked beans fit different tastes.

Adding Extra Flavors and Seasonings

Creating a memorable baked beans with ground beef dish is more than just basic ingredients. The right baked beans seasonings can turn an ordinary meal into a special culinary experience. Professional chefs know that adding layers of flavors is essential for depth and complexity in any dish.

Flavor enhancements for ground beef begin with choosing the right seasonings. The aim is to create a balanced flavor that excites the taste buds.

Spice Combinations to Elevate Your Dish

Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth
Cumin: Provides earthy undertones
Chili powder: Brings a gentle heat
Garlic powder: Offers a robust background note

Sweet and Savory Flavor Balancing

Mastering the sweet and savory balance is all about choosing the right ingredients. A mix of ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard creates a rich flavor profile. This complements both the beans and the ground beef.

Brown sugar: Introduces caramel-like sweetness
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth
Dijon mustard: Provides tangy complexity
Soy sauce: Enhances overall savoriness

Try out these flavor enhancements for ground beef to find your ideal baked beans seasonings. Remember, personal taste is key – feel free to adjust and customize to your liking.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Properly storing baked beans and reheating ground beef dishes keeps your meal fresh and tasty. After enjoying your hearty meal, you’ll want to preserve its flavor and quality for future servings.

For optimal storage, follow these key guidelines:

Use airtight containers to store leftovers
Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum

When reheating ground beef dishes, careful technique matters. Gentle reheating prevents meat from becoming tough or dry. Choose between these methods:

Oven method: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, heat for 10-15 minutes
Microwave method: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway
Stovetop method: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally

Freezing extends your meal’s life up to 3 months. When freezing, use freezer-safe containers and remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Baked beans with ground beef make any meal special. This classic recipe adds rich flavors to family dinners and parties.

Looking for tasty baked beans pairings? Here are some great options for a complete meal:

Classic Side Dish Options

Crisp potato salad
Fresh green salad
Tangy coleslaw
Warm cornbread
Grilled corn on the cob

Main Course Combinations

Here are some ideas for serving ground beef with baked beans:

Smashburgers
Hot dogs
Barbecue ribs
Roasted chicken
Grilled sausages

This dish is perfect for summer or family dinners. It can be the main attraction or a side that everyone loves.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Exploring baked beans recipe variations opens up a world of culinary creativity. Whether you’re looking to switch up flavors or accommodate dietary needs, these ground beef substitutes and modifications can transform your classic dish.

Protein Alternatives

Ground beef isn’t your only option for protein. Consider these delicious ground beef substitutes:

Ground turkey – A leaner alternative with similar texture
Ground chicken – Light and versatile protein choice
Plant-based crumbles – Perfect for vegetarian baked beans
Cubed smoked tofu – Adds unique texture and flavor

Bean Variety Options

Different beans can dramatically change your baked beans recipe variations. Classic options include:

Navy beans – Traditional and creamy
Great Northern beans – Slightly nutty flavor
Pinto beans – Popular in Tex-Mex style recipes
Black beans – Rich and hearty

Flavor Enhancements

Elevate your baked beans with these exciting additions:

Crumbled bacon for smoky depth
Chopped bell peppers for crunch
Chili powder or smoked paprika for extra kick
Maple syrup instead of brown sugar

By experimenting with these ground beef substitutes and baked beans recipe variations, you’ll create a personalized dish that suits your taste and dietary preferences.

Conclusion

This baked beans with ground beef recipe is perfect for easy dinners that bring families together. It combines protein-rich ground beef with tasty beans. This makes any weeknight meal special.

Hearty bean dishes like this are great for home cooks. They’re perfect for feeding a big family or making a hit at a potluck. The recipe is easy to make and needs just a few ingredients.

Don’t be afraid to try new things with this recipe. Mix up the beans, change the spices, or add different ingredients. Great cooking is all about being creative and having fun. Share your creations with others and keep finding new ways to enjoy this classic dish.

We hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your kitchen. It will add warmth and joy to your meals. Bon appétit!

FAQ

Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use navy beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, or black beans. Each bean adds a unique texture and flavor.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, or crumbled tofu. Lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP) are also good options.

What’s the best way to store leftover baked beans with ground beef?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Always use clean utensils and keep it sealed. Freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the ground beef first. Then, mix all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This method enhances flavors.

How can I reduce the sodium content in this recipe?

Start by using low-sodium canned beans. Drain and rinse them well. Then, cut down on added salt.

Try using herbs and spices like garlic powder and paprika. They add flavor without extra salt.

What are some good side dishes to serve with baked beans and ground beef?

Consider cornbread, coleslaw, or a green salad. Roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, or potato salad also pair well. They enhance the dish’s hearty taste.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes! Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat. Start with a little and adjust to taste.

Use spicy ground beef or chili powder for more heat. This will make the dish spicier.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe can be gluten-free. Just check the labels of your ingredients. Use gluten-free baked beans.

Make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Also, verify that any additional seasonings are gluten-free.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the whole dish ahead and refrigerate it for 1-2 days. Or, make parts separately and mix them before baking.

This is great for busy families. It saves time and effort.

What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Choose lean ground beef, like 90/10 or 85/15 fat content. This balances flavor and healthiness. Ground chuck adds a richer taste.

Always drain excess fat after browning. This keeps the dish healthier.

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