Hey there, comfort food fans! Ready to dig into something that’s equal parts hearty and heavenly? Meet Baked Beans with Ground Beef —a dish that’s about to become your new go-to when you need a big hug from your plate. Picture this: savory beef mingling with smoky, saucy beans, baked to perfection in a flavorful sauce that’s pure bliss. I stumbled into this ground beef recipe one chilly evening when I wanted something simple yet soul-warming, and it’s been a hit ever since. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just craving a hearty meal for yourself, this easy recipe delivers big time. It’s tender meat and bean recipe magic all in one dish—let’s fire up the oven and savor the comfort together!
Table of Contents
1. Key Benefits
This baked beans with ground beef dish is more than just a meal—it’s a cozy escape in every bite! Here’s why it’s about to steal a spot in your recipe lineup:
- Pure Comfort: Rich, smoky beans and tender beef come together for a quick comfort fix that warms you from the inside out.
- Easy Peasy: No fancy skills needed—this easy dinner comes together with minimal effort, perfect for busy nights or lazy cravings.
- Flavor Packed: That savory dish vibe? It’s all here, with a smoky flavor that makes every spoonful a treat.
- Hearty and Filling: This hearty casserole satisfies even the biggest appetites—ideal for a ground beef recipe that sticks to your ribs.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, it’s a delicious way to stretch your dollar into a hearty meal.
Imagine scooping into a bubbling dish straight from the oven, the aroma of beef and beans filling the air. It’s comfort food at its finest—let’s grab the ingredients and get started!
2. Ingredients
Let’s gather the goodies for this baked beans with ground beef masterpiece! These are simple, everyday items that transform into something extraordinary with a little oven love. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef – The star, bringing that tender meat richness to the party.
- 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans – Plain or smoky barbecue varieties make the perfect bean recipe base.
- 1 medium onion (diced) – Adds a sweet, savory depth to the mix.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For browning the beef to perfection.
- 1/4 cup ketchup – A tangy kick for the flavorful sauce.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar – Just enough sweetness to balance the smoke.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – That umami punch ties it all together.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – For that irresistible smoky flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – A subtle boost to the savory dish.
- Salt and pepper (to taste) – Season it your way!
Quick Tip: Got a favorite BBQ sauce? Swap it for the ketchup and sugar combo for a custom twist. These ingredients are all about building a hearty casserole that’s easy and delicious—let’s cook it up!

3. How to Make Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Time to whip up this baked beans with ground beef goodness! It’s a breeze, and I’ll guide you like we’re cooking side by side. Here’s how to make this ground beef recipe shine:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F—get it nice and hot for that hearty meal magic.
- Brown the Beef: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and tender. Drain any excess fat—keep it lean and mean!
- Sauté Onion: Toss in the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and golden. That sweet aroma? It’s the start of something great.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This flavorful sauce is about to elevate everything.
- Combine Everything: In an oven-safe casserole dish, mix the cooked beef and onions with the two cans of baked beans. Pour the sauce over the top and stir until it’s all cozy together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake It: Pop the dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbling and the top gets a little caramelized crust—pure savory dish perfection.
Pro Hint: Give it a stir halfway through baking to keep the flavors melding evenly. Your kitchen’s about to smell like a comfort food haven—let’s tweak it next!
4. Pro Tips and Variations
You’ve got the basics down, now let’s make this baked beans with ground beef your own with some insider tricks! These pro tips and variations add flair to your hearty casserole—here’s how:
- Smoky Boost: Swap the smoked paprika for a teaspoon of liquid smoke—takes that smoky flavor to the next level.
- Spicy Twist: Stir in a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne with the beef for a savory dish with a kick.
- Cheesy Top: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top in the last 10 minutes of baking—melty, gooey comfort food vibes.
- Bean Swap: Mix in a can of black beans or kidney beans with the baked beans for extra texture and variety in your bean recipe.
- Slow Cooker Option: After browning the beef and onions, toss everything in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours—effortless tender meat glory.
Quick Trick: Taste the mix before baking—adjust the sugar or salt to suit your palate. This easy dinner bends to your whims—let’s plate it up next!
5. Serving Suggestions
Your baked beans with ground beef is hot and ready—let’s serve it up with some cozy charm! Here’s how to turn this hearty meal into a full-on comfort feast:
- With Cornbread: Spoon it alongside a warm slice of cornbread—the sweet crumb soaks up that flavorful sauce perfectly.
- Over Rice: Serve it over fluffy white rice for a stick-to-your-ribs ground beef recipe twist.
- Garnish Love: Top with chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream for a fresh, creamy contrast to the smoky flavor.
- Sidekick Vibes: Pair with a crisp green salad or buttery mashed potatoes—keeps it balanced and oh-so-satisfying.
- Family Style: Scoop it straight from the casserole dish onto the table with a big spoon—perfect for a laid-back easy dinner.
Picture this: a steaming scoop of beef and beans, the sauce glistening under the lights—it’s quick comfort you can taste. Let’s wrap it up with a bow!
6. Conclusion
And there you have it—Baked Beans with Ground Beef is ready to rock your world! This savory dish brings together tender beef and smoky beans in a way that’s as easy as it is delicious. It’s the kind of hearty casserole that feels like a warm blanket—simple ingredients, bold flavors, and pure comfort food joy. Why not make it your next kitchen adventure? It’s a ground beef recipe that promises satisfaction with every bite—share it, savor it, and watch it become a favorite. Grab that spoon and dive into the bean recipe bliss—you’ve earned it!
7. FAQs
Got questions about this baked beans with ground beef beauty? I’ve got your back with answers that keep the hearty meal vibes flowing! Here’s the rundown:
Can I use dried beans instead?
Sure! Cook them first—about 1.5 cups dry equals two cans—then mix in as usual for your bean recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—still deliciously tender!
Reheating tips?
Warm it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave with a splash of water—keeps that smoky flavor intact.
No Worcestershire—what’s a sub?
Try a mix of soy sauce and a pinch of vinegar—it mimics that savory depth in the flavorful sauce.
Can I make it ahead?
Yup, assemble it, cover, and fridge it for up to a day—bake when ready for an easy dinner win!
Still curious? Let me know—I’m here to make this quick comfort dish a slam dunk for you!