Baked Beans With Ground Beef

Comforting baked beans with ground beef: tender beans simmered in a sweet-tangy sauce with browned ground beef, onions, and smoky depth — an easy, protein-rich one-pan meal perfect for weeknights or potlucks.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: baked beans, ground beef, comfort food, one-pan meal, easy dinner, bean recipe, weeknight meal

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 40

Total Time: 55

Servings: -6 servings

Calories: 420kcal

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
1 lb 450 g ground beef
1 medium onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
2 15 oz cans baked beans OR 4 cups cooked navy or pinto beans in tomato sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar packed
2 tbsp molasses optional
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp mustard powder or 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup water or beef broth if needed
Optional: 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled; chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef and break up with a spoon; brown until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a bit for flavor.
Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, molasses (if using), Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and mustard; combine thoroughly.
Pour in canned baked beans (or cooked beans and tomato sauce) and stir to coat the meat evenly.
If the sauce seems too thick, add up to 1/4 cup water or beef broth and stir.
Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
Optional: For a caramelized top, transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake 10–12 minutes.
Remove from heat, let rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley and serve hot.

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