Baked beans have long been a comfort food staple, but when you add in savory ground beef, the result is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. This 30-Minute Baked Beans with Ground Beef recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, and it comes together in a flash. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure deliciousness!
As the aroma of this dish fills your kitchen, you’ll be transported to a cozy, homey atmosphere. The sweet molasses and brown sugar perfectly balance the savory ground beef, while a hint of Worcestershire sauce and a touch of spice from the chili powder create a flavor profile that will have your taste buds dancing. And the best part? This recipe is so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been whipping it up for years.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting side dish, or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this 30-Minute Baked Beans with Ground Beef recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So grab your apron, fire up the oven, and let’s dive into the deliciousness!
🍽️ What Makes This Recipe So Incredibly Good ?
This 30-Minute Baked Beans with Ground Beef recipe is a true standout for a few key reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely out of this world. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. The ground beef also adds a wonderfully hearty and satisfying element, transforming this dish from a simple side into a full-fledged main course.
But the real magic of this recipe lies in its incredible ease of preparation. With just a few simple steps, you can have a comforting, delicious meal on the table in no time. No need to spend hours simmering the beans or preparing a complex sauce – this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings when you want to impress your guests without slaving away in the kitchen.
Ingredients
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15 oz) cans baked beans
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
The key ingredients in this recipe are the ground beef and the baked beans. The ground beef adds a hearty, savory element that transforms this dish from a simple side into a satisfying main course. And the baked beans provide the perfect canvas for the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.
The Worcestershire sauce and chili powder are also crucial components, as they lend a depth of flavor and a subtle kick of heat that really makes this dish shine. Feel free to adjust the amounts of these seasonings to suit your personal taste preferences.
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to soften. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Baked Beans and Seasonings: Pour in the two cans of baked beans, along with the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer and Adjust Seasoning: Reduce the heat to low and let the baked beans mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve Hot: Serve the 30-Minute Baked Beans with Ground Beef hot, either as a main dish or as a side. Enjoy!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 4 servings.
• Protein: 28 g
• Sodium: 1130 mg
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Fiber: 8 g
🌶️ Fun Alternatives to Try
• To Make it Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative. You may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratios accordingly.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of chili powder or add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper when sautéing the onions and garlic.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Meal
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped fresh parsley or chives.
• Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea.
💡 Easy Ways to Improve Your Results
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Bringing the baked beans, ketchup, and other ingredients to room temperature before starting will help them incorporate more easily and result in a smoother, creamier texture.
• Mistake 3 – Not Letting the Dish Simmer: Taking the time to let the baked beans mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken, resulting in a more cohesive and satisfying dish.
🧊 How to Keep This Dish Fresh for Days ?
• Freezing: This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the baked beans in a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
❓ FAQs
Can I use canned or dried beans instead of baked beans?
You certainly can! If using canned beans, drain and rinse them before adding them to the recipe. If using dried beans, you’ll need to cook them first according to the package instructions. Keep in mind that the cooking time and overall flavor profile may differ slightly from the baked bean version.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! This 30-Minute Baked Beans with Ground Beef recipe is perfect for making ahead. Simply prepare the dish as directed, let it cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat the beans according to the instructions in the “How to Keep This Dish Fresh for Days?” section.
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can definitely use a different type of ground meat in this recipe. Ground turkey or ground chicken would work well as substitutes for the ground beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different. You may need to adjust the cooking time or add additional seasonings to compensate for the change in protein.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to add a little more heat to this dish, try increasing the amount of chili powder or adding in some diced jalapeño or serrano peppers when sautéing the onions and garlic. You could also try using a spicier variety of baked beans or adding a dash of hot sauce. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings to your desired level of spiciness.
Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Definitely! This recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker or Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, simply brown the ground beef, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the beef, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, with a natural release.
🍽️ A Delicious Ending and a New Beginning
As you take the last bite of this mouthwatering 30-Minute Baked Beans with Ground Beef, you’ll be left with a satisfied smile and a craving for more. This dish is truly the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, all wrapped up in a comforting, homestyle package.
Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a tasty side, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So don’t be afraid to double the batch – the leftovers are just as delicious, and they make for an easy, flavorful meal throughout the week.
Enjoy every bite, and get ready to add this 30-Minute Baked Beans with Ground Beef to your regular meal rotation!
Happy cooking, and bon appétit!
30-Minute Baked Beans with Ground Beef
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to soften. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the two cans of baked beans, along with the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the baked beans mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the 30-Minute Baked Beans with Ground Beef hot, either as a main dish or as a side. Enjoy!
