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Savory Baked Beans with Ground Beef

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Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (Active: 25 minutes | Inactive: 1 hour 20 minutes)
Effort Level: Easy
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Bean Mixture:

  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90/10)

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

  • 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

  • 2 (28 oz) cans pork and beans (do not drain)

  • 1 cup ketchup

  • ½ cup packed dark brown sugar

  • ¼ cup molasses

  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard

  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven (or a large skillet and a 9×13 inch baking dish)

  • Wooden spoon

  • Measuring cups and spoons

  • Can opener

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather and prepare all ingredients—dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and chop the bacon.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

Add the ground beef to the hot bacon fat. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the beef and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Return the cooked bacon to the skillet with the beef mixture. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add both cans of pork and beans (with their sauce), ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and optional cayenne.

Stir thoroughly until everything is completely combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to start marrying.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

If you are not using an oven-safe skillet, carefully transfer the bean mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Then, carefully remove the cover. Give the beans a good stir and return to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 30-35 minutes. The sauce will thicken, become glossy, and the top will develop delicious caramelized spots.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the baked beans from the oven. Let them stand for 10 minutes—this allows the sauce to thicken further and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

  • Serve as a main dish with cornbread or a crusty baguette, or as a hearty side at barbecues alongside grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers.

  • Store completely cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

  • Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

  • Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximately 1 cup)

  • Calories: 485 kcal

  • Total Fat: 18g

    • Saturated Fat: 6g

  • Cholesterol: 65mg

  • Sodium: 1180mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 58g

    • Dietary Fiber: 9g

    • Sugars: 35g (Includes natural sugars from beans, molasses, and ketchup)

  • Protein: 28g

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