Easy Baked Beans Recipe

These easy baked beans with ground beef transform ordinary canned beans into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers all the smoky, sweet, and savory flavors of traditional barbecue fare. The magic happens when seasoned ground beef combines with tender bell peppers and onions, then simmers together with tangy mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to create depth that tastes like it's been cooking all day. What makes this recipe particularly wonderful is how it achieves maximum flavor impact with minimal effort while easily feeding a crowd, making it the perfect solution for potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings.

I perfected this recipe for family barbecues when I needed something that could feed a crowd, taste amazing, and not require me to be stuck in the kitchen all day. The combination of how simple it is to prepare and how consistently it impresses guests made it my go-to side dish for every outdoor gathering.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• 80/20 ground beef: Provides the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness; the fat content keeps the meat moist and adds richness
• Quality canned baked beans: Bush's Southern Pit BBQ or similar high-quality brands provide the best flavor foundation
• Fresh bell peppers: Green peppers offer classic flavor, while red peppers add sweetness and jalapeños bring heat
• Brown sugar: Creates the signature sweet-savory balance that makes these beans irresistible

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the beef perfectly:

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until completely browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving just enough to keep the meat moist, then transfer beef to a plate.

Build the aromatic base:

Add a tablespoon of oil to the same pot and reduce heat to medium. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking for 4-5 minutes until peppers soften and onions become translucent. This creates the flavor foundation for the entire dish.

Combine all elements:

Return the cooked ground beef to the pot with the vegetables. Add all three cans of baked beans, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, and hot sauce if using. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Season and simmer:

Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low, simmering for 30 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Check for doneness:

The beans are ready when they're heated through completely and the flavors have melded into a cohesive, rich mixture. The liquid should be slightly thickened but not dry.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

Oven Method: Transfer the combined mixture to a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot. Cover and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-60 minutes until bubbly and heated through. Slow Cooker Method: Add all ingredients to a crockpot after browning the beef. Cook on high for 1 hour or low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

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My family considers these beans essential for any outdoor gathering, and I love how they make even simple grilled hot dogs feel like a special barbecue feast. The combination of hearty beef with sweet and tangy beans creates something that's both comforting and exciting.

Advanced Flavor Enhancement Techniques

For deeper flavor, try browning the beef until it develops some crispy edges before draining. Adding crispy bacon pieces creates extra smokiness, while using the bacon fat to cook the vegetables amplifies the barbecue flavors. A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens all the rich flavors.

Scaling and Portion Planning

This recipe easily scales up or down. For smaller gatherings, use two 16-ounce cans of beans and halve the remaining ingredients. For large crowds, double everything and use a larger pot or cook in two batches. Plan for about ¾ cup per person as a side dish.

Storage and Make-Ahead Strategies

These beans actually improve in flavor after sitting, making them perfect for advance preparation. They can be made up to three days ahead and reheated gently. The flavors continue developing, creating even better results than when freshly made.

Customization Options for Different Preferences

This versatile base adapts to many flavor profiles. Add diced jalapeños for heat, include corn kernels for sweetness and texture, or stir in barbecue sauce for extra smokiness. Different mustard varieties create unique flavor profiles - spicy brown mustard adds complexity while Dijon provides sophistication.

Equipment and Technique Considerations

A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven distributes heat evenly and prevents burning during the simmering process. If your pot tends to run hot, use a heat diffuser or lower the temperature to prevent sticking. Cast iron works particularly well for this recipe.

These easy baked beans with ground beef represent the perfect potluck contribution because they combine impressive flavor with foolproof preparation that always yields consistent results. They prove that the most memorable side dishes don't require complicated techniques - just understanding how simple ingredients work together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. Whether you're feeding family or a crowd of friends, these beans deliver that ideal combination of hearty satisfaction and crowd-pleasing appeal that makes any gathering feel special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the baked beans up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the oven before serving.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, ground pork, or even skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version. Bacon pieces work great too.

→ How do I prevent the beans from sticking?

Stir the beans every 10-15 minutes while cooking and keep the heat on low. Add a splash of water if they seem too thick.

→ Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, you can mix different beans like navy beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans. Just make sure they're already cooked or canned.

→ How long do leftovers last?

Leftover baked beans keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.

→ Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Cook the beef first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on high for 1 hour or low for 2-3 hours.