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Traditional Homestyle Baked Beans with Ground Beef in a serving dish garnished.

Baked Beans with Ground Beef

A cozy and filling recipe for Traditional Homestyle Baked Beans with Ground Beef, perfect for weeknights or family gatherings, combining sweet, smoky, and savory flavors into a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cans canned baked beans You can also use plain canned beans like navy or pinto and add sauce.
  • 1 pound ground beef Use 80/20 ground beef for flavor; drain extra grease.
  • 1 medium onion Chopped, to be sautéed with the beef.
  • 2 cloves garlic Chopped or use garlic powder as a substitute.
  • 1/2 cup ketchup Provides classic tang.
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar Adjust to taste; can substitute with maple syrup for less sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce For smoky flavor; can substitute with smoked paprika.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Enhances the smoky flavor.
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 pinch chili flakes For a bit of heat.
  • 1 tablespoon mustard For added richness.
  • 1 medium bell pepper Chopped, optional for added flavor.
  • 2 slices cooked bacon Sprinkle on top in the last 10 minutes for extra flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C).
  2. Grab a large oven-safe skillet or a skillet plus a baking dish.
  3. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks until no longer pink. Drain off extra grease if needed.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in the ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika until well combined.
  6. Gently mix in the canned beans and taste to adjust sweetness or flavor as necessary.
  7. Transfer mixture to the oven if using a regular skillet or place the skillet in the oven. Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes until bubbly and thickened.
  8. Let the beans sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to thicken further.

Notes

This recipe is perfect for leftovers, which improve in flavor when stored. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, or freeze for 2 to 3 months. Reheat gently to avoid scorching.