Baked Beans with Ground Beef Recipe

Published: March 26, 2026

by Carolina

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This baked beans with ground beef dish combines easy preparation with a flavor explosion, satisfying even the pickiest eaters
The rich, savory profile brings together hearty beef and sweet beans for a delightful meal
With its colorful mix of veggies, this dish is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate
Perfect for potlucks or cozy family dinners, you can easily adapt it to suit your taste buds

Baked beans with ground beef always bring back memories of cozy family gatherings, where everyone eagerly devoured seconds.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Canned Baked Beans: A 15 oz can of your favorite variety adds rich flavor and essential texture to the dish.
Ground Beef: Use 1 lb of 85% lean ground beef for a balanced mix of flavor and moisture without excessive grease.
Onion: One cup of chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; yellow or sweet onions work best.
Bell Pepper: Choose any color bell pepper for one cup, as they contribute vibrant color and crispness to the recipe.
Garlic: Two cloves of minced garlic provide aromatic richness; fresh garlic is always recommended for maximum flavor.
Brown Sugar: One tablespoon of brown sugar enhances the sweetness, balancing the savory flavors beautifully.
Barbecue Sauce: Use two tablespoons of your favorite barbecue sauce for an added layer of tangy flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: One tablespoon brings a savory umami punch that elevates the overall taste profile of the beans.
Mustard: Choose between yellow or Dijon mustard for one teaspoon; this adds a subtle tang that brightens the dish.
Salt and Black Pepper: Use one teaspoon each to taste, adjusting according to your preference for seasoning.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Beef: Begin your culinary adventure by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add 1 lb of ground beef, allowing it to sizzle as it browns. You’ll want to stir occasionally, ensuring that every bit gets cooked evenly. This process takes about 5-7 minutes. As the beef transforms into a rich brown color, you’ll notice its savory aroma filling the kitchen. After it’s fully cooked, drain any excess fat—this helps keep your dish from being overly greasy. Next, introduce your chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic into the skillet. The vibrant colors will brighten your dish, while the fragrant garlic mingles with the vegetables. Cook this delightful mixture for about 5 minutes until everything is softened and aromatic.

Combine Ingredients: Now comes the fun part—mixing all those delicious flavors together! Carefully stir in a can of baked beans (15 oz), brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. The moment you combine these ingredients, you’ll experience an enticing blend of sweet and savory scents wafting through your kitchen. Make sure to mix well so that every ingredient is incorporated evenly; this step is key for achieving that harmonious flavor profile everyone loves.

Bake the Dish: Once everything is well mixed, it’s time to transfer this flavorful concoction into a baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish. Now cover it with aluminum foil; this will keep all those lovely flavors locked in while it bakes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place your covered dish inside. Let it bake for 45 minutes, during which time you’ll start smelling that mouthwatering aroma permeating your home. After 45 minutes have passed, carefully remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for an additional 15 minutes. This final step allows the top to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish.

Serve: Once you’ve pulled your baked beans with ground beef from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes, it’s time to serve! The combination of textures—from tender beans to juicy beef—will be irresistible. Scoop out generous portions onto plates or into bowls, and watch as everyone gathers around to enjoy this hearty meal. Enjoy every bite of your delicious creation!

Chef's Helpful Tips

For the best flavor, choose high-quality ground beef and don’t skip browning it well before adding other ingredients
When chopping vegetables, aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and texture
Let your baked beans with ground beef rest a few minutes after baking; this helps the flavors meld beautifully

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with baked beans with ground beef, start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. While this cooks, prepare your veggies to add once the meat is done. This way, everything comes together seamlessly.

Ingredients for Baked Beans with Ground Beef

For this delicious recipe, you will need 1 can of baked beans (15 oz can, any variety), 1 lb of ground beef (85% lean preferred), 1 cup of chopped onion, 1 cup of chopped bell pepper (any color), and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Additionally, gather 1 tbsp of brown sugar, 2 tbsp of your favorite barbecue sauce, 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp of mustard (yellow or Dijon), along with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat before adding the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften, which should take around 5 minutes. Next, stir in the baked beans, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom. Cover it with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. After this initial baking period, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to brown beautifully.

Once finished baking, remove your dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty baked beans with ground beef as a comforting meal!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your baked beans with ground beef by swapping in different vegetables like zucchini or corn for added flavor. You can also try using Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicy twist. For extra zest, add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.

Storing & Reheating

To store baked beans with ground beef, place the dish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

FAQ

What are the main ingredients in baked beans with ground beef?

The main ingredients include baked beans, ground beef, onion, bell pepper, garlic, and various seasonings.

How long does it take to prepare baked beans with ground beef?

The total preparation and cooking time is about 75 minutes.

Can I customize my baked beans with ground beef recipe?

Yes, you can customize it by adding different vegetables or spices to enhance the flavor.

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