Are you ready for some down-home goodness?! Transform your next barbecue with the BEST (easy) baked beans recipe on our website. These baked beans with ground beef 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 Originally made with Native American ingredients like beans and maple syrup, this dish has evolved to include tasty additions like bacon and molasses.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.
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What Ingredients Will You Need?
- 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.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How To Make the BEST Baked Beans Recipe (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 Are Some Good Substitutions?
- 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 You Change This Recipe Up?
- 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.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Cast iron skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Stoneware casserole dish
How Should You Store This?
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.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
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?
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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
The BEST (Easy) Baked Beans Recipe
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.
Nutrition
So, there you have it – the lowdown on baked beans! Mix up the saucy goodness and bake it to perfection. Whether you're hanging out with friends, having a backyard barbecue, or just craving some comfort food, these beans have got your back. Enjoy, and happy eating!
Important Food Safety Tips
Ensure beans are cooked to safe internal temperature to prevent foodborne illness.
Store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
- Create a clean work area.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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