Cozy Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon Recipe

Hearty baked beans with ground beef and bacon deliver a mouthwatering comfort meal that satisfies every craving.

Rich, smoky flavors blend perfectly in this classic dish.

Slow-cooked and packed with protein, this recipe brings together tender beef and crispy bacon.

Each spoonful promises a delightful mix of savory ingredients that warm the soul.

The combination of beans, meat, and smoky seasonings creates an irresistible meal that everyone will love.

Serve this robust and filling dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients can create such an incredible meal.

How To Keep Beans Fresh

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish.
• Pack cooled baked beans in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, you can substitute the baked beans with navy beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans. Just make sure to add some tomato sauce or additional seasonings to maintain the original flavor profile.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

Not automatically. Check that your Worcestershire sauce and mustard are gluten-free. Some brands contain wheat, so read labels carefully before preparing.

• Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meat and vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours to let the flavors meld together perfectly.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef, turkey bacon, and reduce brown sugar. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or celery to boost nutritional value and add extra texture to the dish.

Baked Beans With Beef A Comfort Classic Reinvented

• Layers of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and sweet-tangy sauce create a mouthwatering combination that elevates classic baked beans.
• Minimal prep and one-skillet cooking make this dish perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Hearty ingredients and familiar flavors guarantee this recipe will be a hit with both kids and adults, making it ideal for casual gatherings and potlucks.
• Easily adjust spices or swap vegetables to match your taste preferences, turning this versatile recipe into a personalized family favorite.

Key Ingredients for Flavor-Packed Baked Beans

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the baked beans dish.
• Bacon: Provides a smoky and savory depth to the overall recipe.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that create a flavorful base and add texture to the dish.

• Baked Beans: The core ingredient that serves as the foundation of the recipe.
• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon Mustard, Garlic Powder: Condiments and spices that enhance the sweet and tangy flavor profile of the baked beans.

• Olive Oil: A healthy cooking fat used to sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.

The Best Pots for Baked Bean Success

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking vegetables, ground beef, and bacon with plenty of room to stir and mix ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for breaking up meat and stirring ingredients without scratching the skillet's surface.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for dicing onions and bell peppers safely and cleanly.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to chop vegetables into precise 1/2 inch pieces.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of seasonings like garlic powder and brown sugar.
• Colander or Paper Towels: Optional for draining excess oil from meat if needed.

Creating Baked Beans With Ultimate Flavor

Step 1: Prepare Vegetables

Chop the onion and green bell pepper into tiny cubes, creating uniform pieces that will blend seamlessly into the dish.

• Onion
• Green bell pepper

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper, stirring gently until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aromas.

Step 3: Brown the Proteins

Add ground beef and bacon to the skillet.

Use a wooden spoon to break down the meat into small crumbles.

Cook until the beef turns completely brown and loses its raw appearance.

Remove any excess grease to keep the dish light.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

• Baked beans
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder

Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop a rich, complex taste.

Step 5: Simmer and Serve

Reduce heat to medium and let the mixture gently bubble for 10 minutes.

This helps the ingredients meld together, creating a harmonious and delicious final dish.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, hearty meal.

Tips For Smoky Rich Baked Beans at Home

• Use a sharp knife and a cutting board to create uniform 1/2-inch pieces, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Drain excess fat after cooking ground beef and bacon to prevent the final dish from becoming greasy and maintain a rich, balanced flavor.
• Adjust brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce to taste, creating a harmonious blend of tangy and sweet notes that complement the meaty base.
• Consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika to elevate the overall taste profile and add complexity to the baked beans.
• Prepare the dish in advance and reheat gently, as the flavors will continue to meld and intensify, making it even more delicious the next day.

Beans and Bacon Remix Combo Ideas

• Vegetarian Bean Casserole: Replace ground beef and bacon with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use no-salt-added baked beans, skip additional salt, and replace Worcestershire sauce with low-sodium alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Beans: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and swap Dijon mustard for chipotle sauce to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Confirm baked beans are gluten-free, use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, and serve with rice or quinoa instead of bread.

Serving Up Baked Beans With Backyard Flair

• Hearty Meal Companion: Serve this robust baked beans dish with warm, fluffy cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a comforting texture.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Pack this dish in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, pairing it with crisp coleslaw and grilled hot dogs for a classic summer feast.
• Breakfast Boost: Transform leftovers into a morning meal by topping the beans with a sunny-side-up egg and serving alongside crispy toast for a protein-packed start.
• Side Dish Superstar: Complement this dish with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to create a satisfying and filling dinner that will please the whole family.

Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty baked beans with ground beef and bacon recipe brings comfort to classic American cookery. Robust flavors blend perfectly with rich ingredients, creating a satisfying meal you will crave during cool evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (lean preferred)
• 1 cup bacon, diced (cooked or raw)

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 42 ounces (1.19 kilograms) baked beans (canned with sauce, three 14–16 ounce cans)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare vegetables by finely chopping onion and green bell pepper into uniform half-inch pieces, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and slightly softened.
3. Introduce ground beef and bacon to the skillet, breaking up meat chunks with a wooden spoon while cooking until beef loses its pink color and bacon releases its fat.
4. Drain excess grease from the meat mixture to prevent an overly greasy final dish.
5. Incorporate baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
6. Reduce heat to medium and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes, which helps meld the ingredients and intensify the overall taste profile.
7. Transfer the hot, bubbling bean mixture to a serving dish, ensuring each portion contains a balanced combination of meat, vegetables, and sauce.

Notes

• Veggie Prep Chop onions and bell peppers uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Fat Management Drain excess grease after cooking meat to reduce overall dish heaviness and prevent greasy appearance.
• Flavor Boosting Consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika for deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Dietary Flexibility Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version, or use lean ground turkey for a lower-fat alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 445
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg