This baked beans with ground beef recipe is one of those dishes that quietly earns its place on the table. It’s humble, a little nostalgic, and way more satisfying than it looks at first glance. Every spoonful feels familiar, but still exciting enough to go back for seconds.
I’ve made this for backyard cookouts, casual family dinners, and the kind of potlucks where everyone pretends not to care who brought what. It always disappears fast. Something about sweet, tangy beans paired with savory beef just works.
It’s also a forgiving recipe, which I love on busy days. No fancy techniques, no special tools, and nothing that makes you nervous halfway through cooking. Just solid comfort food that tastes like you put in more effort than you actually did.
While these aren’t old-school, from-scratch Southern baked beans, they still hit that same cozy note. Using canned beans keeps things simple, but the added layers of flavor make them taste homemade in the best way. Honestly, that’s the sweet spot.
Some people call this baked beans and hamburger meat. Others say hamburger baked beans or BBQ beans with beef. Whatever name you use, the result is the same, a hearty dish that can play side or main without complaining.
I’ve served this next to hot dogs and burgers, but I’ve also scooped it into bowls and called dinner done. It’s filling, budget-friendly, and feeds a crowd without stress. That alone makes it worth keeping in your back pocket.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
- Ground beef – Adds savory richness and turns simple beans into a filling, hearty dish.
- Onion – Brings a mild sweetness and depth once it cooks down with the beef.
- Baked beans – The base of the recipe, providing that classic sweet and smoky flavor.
- Brown sugar – Enhances the sweetness and balances the savory elements.
- Ketchup – Adds tang, moisture, and that familiar BBQ-style taste.
- Worcestershire sauce – Brings umami and a subtle savory edge.
- Mustard – Cuts through the sweetness with a gentle sharpness.
- Garlic powder – Adds warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt – Ties all the flavors together.
- Black pepper – Adds just enough bite to keep things interesting.
These are pantry-friendly ingredients, which is part of the appeal. You might already have everything you need, especially if you cook often. That makes this recipe feel approachable, even on a last-minute whim.
The beauty here is balance. Nothing stands out too aggressively, but every ingredient pulls its weight. It’s the kind of recipe where the whole is genuinely better than the parts.
How to make Baked Beans with Ground Beef?
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This gives you a steady, even heat that lets the flavors meld slowly while the beans bubble away. No rushing here.
While the oven heats, lightly grease your baking dish. It’s a small step, but it saves you from stubborn cleanup later, which always feels like a win.
Step 2 – Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Break the meat up as it cooks so you get even browning and small, tender pieces.
Once the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft, drain off the excess grease. This keeps the final dish rich, but not heavy or greasy.
Step 3 – Mix Everything Together
Transfer the cooked beef and onions to a large bowl. Add the baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Stir everything well, making sure the sauce coats the beans evenly. You want every scoop to taste balanced, not streaky or uneven.
Step 4 – Assemble the Dish
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This helps it cook consistently and keeps the edges from drying out.
At this stage, the beans will look saucy and loose. That’s exactly what you want before baking.
Step 5 – Bake Until Bubbling
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The top should look glossy, thickened, and gently bubbling.
Once done, let the beans rest for a few minutes before serving. This short pause helps the sauce settle and thicken just a bit more.
Tips
- Use lean ground beef if you want a lighter final dish with less grease.
- Stir the beans halfway through baking if your oven runs hot around the edges.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for gentle heat without overpowering the sweetness.
- Let the dish rest before serving so the sauce thickens naturally.
- Taste before baking and adjust sweetness or tang if needed.
These small tweaks can make a noticeable difference. Cooking is rarely about perfection, and more about paying attention as you go. This recipe makes that easy.
Flavor Variations You Can Try
If you like a smoky edge, adding cooked, crumbled bacon is a great move. It blends right into the beans and gives each bite a deeper, richer flavor.
Chopped bell peppers, especially green or red, add color and a bit of crunch. They also bring a mild freshness that balances the sweetness nicely.
For a bolder BBQ vibe, a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder goes a long way. It doesn’t change the dish completely, but it adds a subtle complexity.
A splash of apple cider vinegar can brighten everything up. Just a teaspoon or two cuts through the sweetness and keeps the beans from tasting flat.
If you love mustard, feel free to add a little extra. It makes the dish tangier and more pronounced, especially if you’re serving it with grilled meats.
Serving Ideas That Always Work
These baked beans pair naturally with classic cookout foods. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and grilled sausages all feel right at home next to a scoop.
They also work surprisingly well with a simple green salad. The freshness of the greens balances the richness of the beans without competing.
For casual dinners, I’ve served this with cornbread or soft dinner rolls. Something about scooping beans with bread just feels comforting.
If you’re feeding a crowd, this dish holds well on a buffet table. It stays warm, looks inviting, and doesn’t require last-minute fussing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Notes
Leftovers store beautifully, which is another reason I love this recipe. Let the beans cool, then transfer them to an airtight container.
They’ll keep in the refrigerator for three to four days without losing flavor. In fact, the taste deepens slightly as it sits.
Reheating is simple. Warm them in the oven at 350°F or use the microwave for quick portions, stirring halfway through.
You can also freeze baked beans with ground beef. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat until hot and bubbly.
This make-ahead flexibility makes the dish perfect for planning ahead. It takes pressure off the day you actually plan to serve it.
Why This Recipe Always Comes Back Around
I think the reason this dish sticks around is simple. It’s dependable. You know what you’re getting, and you know it’ll satisfy almost everyone at the table.
It’s also adaptable without being fussy. You can tweak flavors, adjust sweetness, or change the protein, and it still works.
For me, baked beans with ground beef feels like one of those recipes that grows with you. It fits casual nights, celebrations, and everything in between.
If you’re looking for something hearty, comforting, and easy to love, this is it. It doesn’t try to be flashy. It just shows up and does its job well.
Baked Beans with Ground Beef Recipe
Description
These Hearty Baked Beans with Ground Beef are a comforting, flavorful twist on the classic side dish. Loaded with savory ground beef, sweet and tangy sauce, and four types of canned beans, this easy recipe is perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. It’s budget-friendly, feeds a crowd, and tastes even better the next day!
ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion mixture with baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or oven-safe casserole dish.
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Bake uncovered for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the beans are bubbling and heated through.
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Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 380kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13gg20%
- Saturated Fat 5gg25%
- Trans Fat 0.5gg
- Cholesterol 35mgmg12%
- Sodium 980mgmg41%
- Potassium 620mgmg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 52gg18%
- Dietary Fiber 9gg36%
- Sugars 32gg
- Protein 18gg36%
- Calcium 8 mg
- Iron 20 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Make it smoky: Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or a few strips of cooked bacon for extra depth.
- Slow cooker option: After browning the beef and onion, add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
- Balance sweetness: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar before baking to cut through the sweetness.
- Make ahead: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
