Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or barbecues. The combination of baked beans, savory ground beef, and crispy bacon makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make and packed with delicious flavors. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, and pair it with cornbread, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad. You can store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze them for later. This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of baked beans with savory ground beef and crispy bacon. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or barbecues. Let's gather the ingredients you'll need for this comforting and delicious meal.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and meat.
- 1 medium white onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced: Adds a mild, tangy taste.
- 1 pound ground beef: I prefer lean ground beef, but you can use 80/20 or higher and drain any excess oil.
- 1 cup bacon, diced: You can use cooked or raw bacon for extra flavor.
- 42 ounces baked beans (canned with sauce): You'll need three cans of 14-16 ounces each.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Adds sweetness and tanginess.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the dish with a deep, molasses-like flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a rich, savory taste.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives a slight tang and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: For seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a bit of heat.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Dice the onion and the bell pepper into small 1/2 inch pieces.
- Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, and cook, stirring, for about 3-4 minutes or until softened.
- Step 3: Cook the Meat
- Add the ground beef and diced bacon to the skillet. Stir to break up any lumps with the back of a wooden spoon. Keep stirring occasionally and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess oil if needed.
- Step 4: Add the Baked Beans and Sauce
- Add the baked beans with sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Simmer the Mixture
- Heat the mixture until it starts to bubble. Keep the temperature so that the whole pan simmers for 10 minutes, usually on medium heat.
- Step 6: Serve
- Once the mixture has simmered and thickened, serve hot and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs well with cornbread, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
- This dish is perfect for potlucks and barbecues. It can be kept warm in a slow cooker on the "keep warm" setting for easy serving.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Helpful Notes
- For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- If you prefer a smokier flavor, use smoked bacon and add a dash of liquid smoke to the mixture.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests using high-quality canned baked beans for the best flavor and texture.
- Chef Jamie Oliver recommends adding a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end of cooking to brighten up the flavors.
- Chef Ina Garten advises letting the mixture simmer longer if you prefer a thicker consistency.