Are you ready for some down-home goodness?! Transform your next barbecue with these Baked Beans with Ground Beef. These easy baked beans are guaranteed to steal the show. Packed with flavor and made with simple, budget-friendly staples, this recipe is perfect for entertaining.

Baked beans are a traditional side dish rooted in history. Originally made with Native American ingredients like beans and maple syrup, this dish has evolved to include tasty additions like bacon and molasses. Today, baked beans remain a staple in southern cuisine with their sweet and savory flavors.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- It's tasty: Crispy bacon and tangy ketchup add so much flavor!
- It's easy: Simple ingredients that are budget-friendly and readily available.
- It's versatile: Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.
- It's crowd-pleasing: Perfect for feeding a crowd at backyard barbecues or family dinners.
If you like this Southern recipe, you may also love our boiled peanuts or these tasty bacon and green beans.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Beans: Grab your favorite beans from the pantry. Pork and beans work great, but feel free to use pinto beans, or navy beans if that's what you have on hand. Pro tip: Opt for low-sodium canned beans to keep the salt levels in check.
- Onion: You'll need a large onion, finely diced.
- Ketchup: Three-fourths a cup of ketchup adds a hint of tanginess and sweetness. It's the secret ingredient that ties everything together!
- Yellow mustard: Three tablespoons of yellow mustard provide a touch of acidity. If you're feeling adventurous, try using Dijon mustard for a bit of extra flavor.
- Molasses: Molasses lends a deep, caramel-like sweetness to our baked beans. This ingredient creates that sticky, caramelized sauce we all love.
- Brown sugar: Sweeten the deal with brown sugar.
- Bacon: Last but certainly not least, we'll need bacon for a smoky flavor and crispy texture.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
How To Make Easy Baked Beans with Ground Beef
STEP ONE: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C).
STEP TWO: Prepare the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions until browned and cooked through. Once done, drain and set aside.
STEP THREE: Mix Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onion, canned beans, ketchup, yellow mustard, molasses, and brown sugar. Thoroughly mix the ingredients until evenly distributed.
STEP FOUR: Bake and Serve
Transfer the bean mixture to a baking dish. Arrange the bacon slices on top of the bean mixture. Bake for two hours uncovered until the beans are bubbling and the bacon is cooked.
What Can I Substitute in this Recipe?
- Pork and Beans: Swap pork and beans for pinto beans for a slightly different texture.
- Molasses: Use maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
- Pork Bacon: Substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Mustard: If you're out of mustard, try a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
How Can I Customize this Recipe?
- Kid-Friendly: Add diced hot dogs to the beans for a fun twist that kids will love.
- Flavor: Experiment with different types of mustard, such as Dijon or whole grain.
How Should I Store and Reheat this Recipe?
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through or heat in a saucepan on the stove.
👩🍳 Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and more meal prep hacks!
Expert Tips for Success
For extra flavor, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the bean mixture.
Make a double batch and freeze half for future meals.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use leftover bacon in BLT sandwiches or add it to this salad.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Pair baked beans with grilled chicken, coleslaw, and cornbread for a classic barbecue spread.
- Try this Classic Southern Potato Salad
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
Related
FAQ
Cook the beans for a longer period of time to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken naturally.
Yes, you can prepare the bean mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Yes, you can freeze leftover baked beans for up to 3 months. Allow the beans to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Be sure to leave some room at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion during freezing.
📖 Recipe
Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 5 15 ounce cans Van Camp's Pork and Beans
- 1 large onion diced
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- ¼ cup molasses
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ pound bacon
- ¾ pound ground beef
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions until browned and cooked through. Once done, drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onion, canned beans, ketchup, yellow mustard, molasses, and brown sugar. Thoroughly mix the ingredients until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the bean mixture to a baking dish. Arrange the bacon slices on top of the bean mixture. Bake for two hours uncovered, or until the beans are bubbling and the bacon is cooked.
Notes
- Pork and Beans: Swap pork and beans for pinto beans for a slightly different texture.
- Molasses: Use maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
- Pork Bacon: Substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Mustard: If you're out of mustard, try a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
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