Looking for the ultimate potluck or game day dish? These baked beans with ground beef turn a classic side dish into a hearty one-pan meal bursting with tangy barbecue flavor.
This post was originally published on September 10, 2019, and has been updated with step-by-step visuals, FAQs, and more.
Abbey's Recipe Twist
The addition of ground beef turns a classic potluck and game-day side into a main dish.
TL;DR: Recipe Highlights
What is it: These baked beans feature three kinds of beans, ground beef, and bacon, in a wonderfully sweet and tangy sauce.
Why you'll love this: It's a crowd favorite from summer BBQs to cool-weather potlucks and game-day spreads. This dish is make-ahead friendly, and canned beans keep the preparation easy.
How to make it: Brown the beef and the bacon, then sauté the onions. Stir in the beans and sauce ingredients before transferring the mixture to a baking dish. Bake until the beans are bubbling around the edges.
These hearty baked beans with ground beef are filled with comforting flavors in every bite. They are sweet yet bold, and the combination of ground beef and bacon makes this classic side dish a meal by itself.
This large-batch recipe is make-ahead friendly, which makes it ideal for potlucks, large gatherings, and hungry game-day crowds.
Ingredient Notes
- Beans: This recipe uses three types of canned beans, including pork and beans, kidney beans, and white beans (such as navy, butter, or cannellini). Canned beans are already cooked, which adds ease to this recipe.
- Ground beef: I use 85/15 grass-fed beef, but a leaner blend can also be used.
- Bacon: I love thick-cut bacon for the meaty bite it provides.
- Mustard: I love classic yellow mustard in this recipe. Honey Dijon can be used for added sweetness.
- Apple cider vinegar provides a touch of acidity to balance the other flavors. White vinegar can also be used.
See the recipe card for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap leaner protein, such as ground turkey, for the beef.
- Use maple syrup or coconut sugar in place of brown sugar.
- For smoky flavor, add chipotle powder or liquid smoke.
How to Make Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Transfer it to a bowl and drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Add the bacon to the pan and cook until brown and crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a bowl. Drain the excess grease, leaving two tablespoons in the pan.
Step 3: Add the onion to the pan and cook in the bacon drippings until soft and translucent.
Step 4: Add the beans, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Add the ground beef and bacon back to the pan, reserving some bacon for topping. Stir to combine.
Step 6: Transfer the beans to a deep 9x13 casserole dish. Bake at 375℉ for 20 minutes. Top with the reserved bacon and bake for another 10 minutes. Serve.
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How To Serve Baked Beans
Baked beans are more than just a sidekick for hot dogs. Turn them into the star of any gathering with these serving ideas:
- As a side dish, serve with sub sandwiches or Brats in a blanket.
- As a main dish, serve with green chile cornbread and a salad.
- Set up a toppings bar and serve the beans chili-style.
- Make Frito pie: Top Fritos with the beans and your favorite toppings.
- Bring this dish to a potluck or add it to a game day spread. Keep the beans warm in a slow cooker (see FAQs below).
- Make up to 2 to 3 days in advance and reheat when you are ready to serve.
Recipe FAQs
Baked beans can indeed be frozen. To freeze, cool the beans thoroughly. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Baked beans reheat well. Smaller portions can be reheated in the microwave. For larger portions, use the stovetop or the oven. For the stovetop method, transfer the beans to a large pot. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. For the oven method, preheat the oven to 350℉. Transfer the beans to an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through.
Yes! Cook the ground beef, bacon, and onions in a skillet according to the recipe's instructions, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, stir to combine, and cook on high for 1 to 2 hours or on low for 2 to 3 hours.
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Baked Beans with Ground Beef
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Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
- 1 pound bacon (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 2 28-oz cans pork and beans (not drained)
- 1 15.5-oz can navy, butter, or cannellini beans (not drained)
- 1 15.5-oz can kidney beans (not drained)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup light or dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- In a large heavy-bottomed pan set over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking apart the meat as it cooks. This will take 5-6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the beef from the pan and drain the excess fat.1 pound ground beef
- Add the bacon to the pan and cook until brown and crisp, approx. 10-15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain the excess drippings, leaving two tablespoons of drippings in the pan.1 pound bacon
- Add the onions to the bacon drippings and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.1 large yellow onion
- Add the beans, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar to the pan. Stir to combine. Add back the beef and bacon, reserving some of the bacon for the top of the casserole.2 28-oz cans pork and beans, 1 15.5-oz can navy, butter, or cannellini beans, 1 15.5-oz can kidney beans, ½ cup ketchup, ½ cup light or dark brown sugar, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 375℉ for 20 minutes. Add the reserved bacon to the top and bake for another 10 minutes. Serve.
Notes
- To freeze, cool the beans completely. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Baked beans reheat well. Smaller portions can be reheated in the microwave. For larger portions, use the stovetop or the oven. For the stovetop method, transfer the beans to a large pot. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. For the oven method, preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the beans to an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through.
- To make the beans in a slow cooker, cook the ground beef, bacon, and onions in a skillet according to the recipe's instructions, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, stir to combine, and cook on high for 1 to 2 hours or on low for 2 to 3 hours.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
aseng says
This recipe is very creative and I'm sure my child will love it
Abbey McDermott says
Thank you. I hope you enjoy!