Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Ultimate Comfort Food: Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our savory and hearty Baked Beans with Ground Beef recipe. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or cozy family dinners, this dish is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With a flavorful combination of lean ground beef, crispy bacon, and a rich, tangy sauce, every bite is a taste sensation. Join us as we dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions of this classic dish.

Ingredients:

  • 8 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 x 16oz cans of Bush’s Original Baked Beans
  • 1/2 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory and Brown Sugar barbecue sauce (or your favorite sweet barbecue sauce)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon and Ground Beef:

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
  3. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and return the cooked bacon to the pan with the ground beef.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

  1. Add the minced garlic, diced yellow onion, diced red bell pepper, and diced green bell pepper to the skillet with the bacon and ground beef.
  2. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are tender and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Bush’s Original Baked Beans, Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix well to combine.
  2. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked bacon, ground beef, and sautéed vegetables. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.

4. Bake the Beans:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the mixture from the skillet to a large baking dish.
  3. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beans are hot and bubbly.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Remove the baked beans from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.
  3. Serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness!

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and ground beef for a vegetarian version of this dish. Add extra vegetables or substitute with vegetarian ground meat for added flavor and texture.
  • Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
  • Customizable Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding shredded cheese, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and creaminess.

Keto Versions and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

  • Sugar Substitutes: Replace the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
  • Low-Carb Barbecue Sauce: Look for a sugar-free or low-carb barbecue sauce to reduce the carb content of the dish.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Bean Substitutes: Swap the traditional baked beans for a low-carb alternative like black soybeans or diced zucchini to reduce the carb count.
  • Reduced-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free ketchup and barbecue sauce to decrease the overall sugar content of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use canned baked beans instead of Bush’s Original Baked Beans?

Yes, you can use your favorite brand of canned baked beans or even homemade baked beans if you prefer. Adjust the seasoning and sweetness of the dish accordingly based on the flavor profile of the baked beans you choose.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the baked bean mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture on the stovetop or in the oven until hot and bubbly.

3. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover baked beans in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

With its rich and savory flavors, our Baked Beans with Ground Beef recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply craving a comforting dinner at home, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. Plus, with our keto and low-carb variations, you can enjoy the deliciousness of baked beans while staying on track with your dietary goals. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to delight your taste buds with this mouthwatering dish!

Experience the ultimate comfort food with our delectable Baked Beans with Ground Beef—a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion!