Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Perfectly thick, sweet-and-savory Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef are the ultimate potluck side dish! This delightful recipe combines the hearty flavors of ground beef with a rich blend of baked beans and savory seasonings. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, family gathering, or just looking for a comforting meal, these baked beans are sure to impress. Their unique sweetness from brown sugar and molasses pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of beef, making them a standout dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef, beans, and zesty sauces creates a deliciously satisfying dish.
• Versatile Side Dish: Great for barbecues, potlucks, or even as a main dish served with cornbread.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this classic comfort food that warms the heart.
• Make Ahead Option: These baked beans can be made in advance and reheated for an easy serving solution.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make preparation seamless. Having the right equipment will ensure you make the best Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Oven-safe skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Medium mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Oven-safe skillet: Allows you to cook and bake in one pan, enhancing flavor while minimizing cleanup.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for breaking up meat and stirring without damaging your cookware.
• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect size for combining ingredients before adding them to the skillet.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef, you’ll need:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 1 red or green bell pepper (seeded and diced)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 15 oz cans baked beans (Busch’s original works great)
• ½ cup ketchup
• 4 teaspoons yellow mustard
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup molasses

How to Make Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your beans bake evenly once they’re ready.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

• Place an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
• Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
• Cook for about 4 minutes until it’s browned but not fully cooked through.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

• Add the diced yellow onion and bell pepper to the skillet.
• Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
• Cook for another 4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Turn off the heat.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl:
1. Stir together the baked beans, ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar, and molasses.
2. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the ground beef.
3. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Bake

Place your skillet in the preheated oven:
* Bake for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes or until thickened.
* After baking, let sit for about 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

This recipe yields about eight servings of comforting homemade baked beans that everyone will love!

How to Serve Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef make for a delightful addition to any meal. Their sweet and savory flavors pair well with various dishes, making them versatile for serving.

Pair with Grilled Meats

• Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken complements the sweetness of the baked beans.
• Steaks: A juicy steak and hearty baked beans create a satisfying meal for meat lovers.
• Turkey Burgers: Serve these beans alongside turkey burgers for a delicious twist on classic BBQ fare.

Accompany with Bread

• Cornbread: The slight sweetness of cornbread balances wonderfully with the flavors in baked beans.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up those delicious beans!

Add Fresh Salads

• Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich beans.
• Garden Salad: A light garden salad adds color and freshness to your dining experience.

How to Perfect Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Achieving the perfect Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef is easier than you think. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality ground beef can greatly enhance the overall flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of brown sugar or molasses based on your preferred level of sweetness.
• Experiment with Spices: Adding spices like paprika or cayenne pepper can give your baked beans an extra kick.
• Let Them Rest: Allowing the beans to sit after baking helps deepen the flavors before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Pairing side dishes with Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds freshness and balances the richness of baked beans.
2. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad offers a comforting contrast to the savory flavors.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies bring a smoky flavor that pairs well with baked beans.
4. Macaroni and Cheese: The creamy texture of mac and cheese complements the hearty beans beautifully.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a classic choice that brightens up any meal featuring baked beans.
6. Rice Pilaf: This light side dish adds a nice texture and absorbs some of the bean sauce wonderfully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s essential to get your Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef just right. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the beef and vegetables can lead to bland beans. Always season your ground beef and veggies well for a flavorful dish.
• Overlooking cooking time: Baking for too short a time can prevent the beans from thickening properly. Ensure you bake them for the full 1 hour and 30 minutes for the best texture.
• Using the wrong beans: Some brands of baked beans can be overly sweet or not flavorful enough. Choose a quality brand like Busch’s original for balanced flavor.
• Not letting it rest: Serving immediately can result in soupy beans. Let them sit for about 10 minutes after baking to thicken up before serving.
• Neglecting customization: Sticking strictly to the recipe might limit creativity. Feel free to add ingredients like jalapeños or different spices to suit your taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Allow the beans to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the beans will expand when frozen.

Reheating Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for about 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef that you might find helpful.

Can I make Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance, refrigerate them, and reheat before serving.

What can I serve with Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef?

These baked beans pair wonderfully with grilled meats, cornbread, or coleslaw.

How do I customize my Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef?

Feel free to add additional ingredients like diced jalapeños, bell peppers, or different types of mustard for added flavor!

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that will work well in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Baked Beans with Ground Beef is a delightful dish that balances sweetness and savory flavors perfectly. It’s versatile enough to serve at various gatherings or as a comforting family meal. Feel free to customize it according to your tastes by adding spices or vegetables. Give this recipe a try; you may find it becomes your new favorite side dish!