Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, with ground beef adding a rich, meaty texture to the beans. The spices like cinnamon, smoked paprika, and cayenne give it an extra layer of warmth and depth, while the BBQ sauce and brown sugar provide a lovely balance of tanginess and sweetness. Butter adds a luxurious richness, making this a truly satisfying comfort food. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef, preferably 85/15
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• (2) 15 oz cans Bush’s Baked Beans, original or brown sugar hickory
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 8 tbsp butter

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and return the beef to the skillet.
2. Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped yellow onion to the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Add the Spices: Stir in the ground cinnamon, smoked paprika, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, and chili powder. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and bring out their flavors.
4. Add the Sauces: Pour in the BBQ sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Add the Baked Beans: Open the cans of Bush’s Baked Beans and add them to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything together so the beans are evenly coated in the sauce.
6. Add the Brown Sugar and Butter: Stir in the brown sugar and butter. Let everything simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Serve: Serve the Baked Beans with Ground Beef hot, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people and takes approximately 30-40 minutes to prepare, making it a quick yet satisfying dish for any occasion.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper or chili powder if you like your beans spicier.
• Swap the Meat: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even try ground sausage for extra flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add extra beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, or use lentils as a protein substitute.
• Add Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes to boost the vegetable content of the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Baked Beans with Ground Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in intervals or warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of beans?

Yes! While Bush’s Baked Beans are recommended for their flavor, you can substitute with other types of canned baked beans or even mix different varieties, such as kidney beans or black beans.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef and will still provide a nice texture to the dish. You may want to adjust the seasonings slightly to compensate for the milder flavor.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just follow the recipe, let it cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.

4. Can I freeze Baked Beans with Ground Beef?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

5. How can I make the dish spicier?

To add more heat, you can increase the cayenne pepper, add chopped jalapeños, or stir in hot sauce to taste.

6. Can I use a different BBQ sauce?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to suit your taste. A sweet and smoky sauce, a spicy variety, or even a tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce will all work well.

7. Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes, cheese is a great addition! Try sprinkling shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top just before serving for extra richness and flavor.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is gluten-free as long as your BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.

9. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and spices, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the beans and sauces. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

10. How can I make this dish sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can increase the brown sugar or add a bit more ketchup or BBQ sauce for extra sweetness.

Conclusion

Baked Beans with Ground Beef is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors, making it an ideal dish for any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a BBQ, or a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a hit. The blend of spices and sauces gives this dish a delicious depth of flavor, and the ground beef adds a rich, hearty element. Simple to make and packed with flavor, this is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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