How To Make Baked Beans With Ground Beef: The Must-try Recipe For Every Foodie

Baked beans are a classic comfort food that evokes memories of cozy dinners and family gatherings. But, what if you could elevate this dish to new heights with the addition of succulent ground beef? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to make ground beef baked beans that will tantalize your taste buds and become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (15 ounce) can of pork and beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can of kidney beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can of pinto beans
• 1 (10 ounce) can of tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Drain and Rinse the Beans: Rinse the pork and beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans under cold water. Drain well.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large casserole dish or Dutch oven, combine the browned ground beef, drained beans, tomato sauce, brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Stir to Combine: Stir the ingredients until well combined.
5. Bake: Cover the casserole dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, or until the beans are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Optional: Add Toppings: For a finishing touch, you can top the baked beans with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or crumbled bacon before serving.
7. Enjoy: Serve the ground beef baked beans hot with your favorite sides, such as cornbread, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.

Tips for Perfect Baked Beans

• Use a variety of beans: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of beans, such as navy beans or black beans.
• Add vegetables: For a healthier and more flavorful dish, stir in chopped onions, bell peppers, or carrots.
• Adjust the seasonings: The seasonings can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add more brown sugar or molasses. For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Let it simmer: After baking, let the baked beans simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
• Make ahead: Ground beef baked beans can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to serve.

Variations

• Vegetarian Baked Beans: Omit the ground beef and substitute vegetable broth for the pork and beans.
• BBQ Baked Beans: Add 1/2 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce to the mixture.
• Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans: Add 1/4 cup of chopped jalapeños and 1/4 cup of honey to the ingredients.

Pairing Suggestions

• Cornbread: The classic pairing for baked beans, cornbread is a fluffy and buttery complement that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and indulgent, mashed potatoes provide a comforting base for the savory baked beans.
• Green Salad: A fresh and crunchy green salad can balance out the richness of the baked beans.
• Fried Chicken: Crispy fried chicken is an excellent choice for a protein-packed meal with baked beans.

In a nutshell: A Culinary Triumph

With its tender ground beef, hearty beans, and savory sauce, this ground beef baked bean recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy meal with family, these baked beans will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Can I use canned baked beans instead of making my own?

A: Yes, you can use canned baked beans as a shortcut. However, making your own baked beans from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and seasonings for a more customized flavor.

Q: How can I thicken the sauce in my baked beans?

A: If the sauce is too thin, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the beans. Bring to a simmer until the sauce thickens.

Q: Can I freeze ground beef baked beans?

A: Yes, you can freeze baked beans for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm them in a saucepan over medium heat.