Baked Beans With Beef is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the smoky sweetness of baked beans with the savory goodness of ground beef. This recipe has its roots in Southern cuisine, known for its rich and comforting flavors. Perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or a barbecue, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying. Let’s dive into making this Southern classic!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Baked Beans With Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cans (16 ounces each) baked beans (such as Bush’s baked beans)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the Vegetables: Start by finely chopping the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Drain the Fat: Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Cook the Onion and Bell Pepper: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Mix in the Sauces and Spices: Add the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Add the Baked Beans: Pour in the canned baked beans and stir until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Bake
- Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes until the top is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
Step 6: Serve
- Cool and Serve: Let the baked beans with beef cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this dish as a main course or a side dish.
Tips and Variations
Tips
- Use Quality Baked Beans: The flavor of this dish heavily depends on the quality of the baked beans. Bush’s baked beans are a popular choice for their rich taste.
- Drain Excess Fat: Make sure to drain the fat from the cooked ground beef to avoid a greasy dish.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your baked beans less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Different Meats: Try using ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the basic nutritional information per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 15g
Baked Beans With Beef is a versatile and comforting dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a satisfying meal on its own or a delicious side dish. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share your variations and tips in the comments below.