Are you ready to take your baked beans to the next level? Look no further because we have the perfect recipe for you. These Southern-style baked beans with ground beef are packed with flavor and will leave you craving for more. Say goodbye to plain, ordinary beans and get ready for a taste explosion!
Key Takeaways
A Flavorful Twist on a Classic
This mouthwatering baked bean and beef casserole will transport you back to your childhood with just one bite. The homemade sauce adds a delightful blend of sweetness and zest to the beans, taking them to new heights. But we didn’t stop there! We’ve also added ground beef, red bell peppers, onions, and crispy bacon to create a hearty dish that can stand alone as a meal.
Imagine pairing these delectable baked beans with a juicy hamburger, grilled chicken, or a pulled pork sandwich. It’s the perfect addition to any cookout or family dinner. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds or even thirds. These beans are simply irresistible.
Elevate Your Beans
Wondering how to take your baked beans to the next level? We’ve got you covered. Sweet BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce are the secret ingredients that will elevate the flavor of your beans to new heights. These additions will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
The Perfect Meat Pairing
When it comes to adding meat to baked beans, bacon and ground beef are the ultimate choices. Their rich flavors complement the beans perfectly. However, feel free to get creative and experiment with other options like breakfast sausage, spicy sausage, or even hot dogs. The possibilities are endless, so make it your own!
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
If you’ve ever had runny baked beans, don’t worry, we have a couple of tricks up our sleeves to achieve the perfect thickness. First, be patient and let the beans rest for a while after baking. This allows them to thicken naturally. If they still seem too runny, try baking them a bit longer.
Another quick solution is to remove a cup of beans, mash them with a fork, and then mix them back into the baked beans. The starchy nature of the beans will act as a natural thickener, giving you the ideal consistency.
Ingredients for Success
To create these incredible baked beans, you’ll need bacon, lean ground beef, yellow onion, red bell pepper, canned pork and beans (such as Bush’s Original Baked Beans), sweet BBQ sauce (try Sweet Baby Ray’s Original Barbecue Sauce), ketchup, light brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.
Bringing It All Together
Let’s get cooking! Start by cutting the bacon into 1 1/2″ pieces and sautéing them until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and wipe out any excess grease. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for a few minutes before adding in the diced bell pepper and onion. Sauté everything until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
Next, it’s time to add the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Mix everything together until well combined. Finally, add the canned baked pork and beans and give it one last stir.
Transfer the bean and beef mixture to a greased casserole dish and top it off with the cooked bacon pieces. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven. Once the beans are done baking, let them rest for at least 10 minutes to allow them to thicken before serving. The full recipe card with detailed instructions and helpful tips can be found below.
Perfectly Preserved
If you have any leftovers (although we doubt you will), rest assured that your baked beans will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply let them cool after baking and transfer them to the container once they’ve reached room temperature.
Customizations for Every Palate
If you’re looking to add a little kick to your beans, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. For a cheesy twist, skip the bacon and top the beans with shredded cheese. And if you’re feeling adventurous, mix up the beans and try a three-bean casserole. Don’t forget that a touch of molasses can take the sweetness to the next level.
Feel free to experiment with ingredients based on what you have on hand. Swap the red bell pepper for a green one or try adding your favorite flavors to make the recipe truly your own.
We Want to Hear From You
We hope you enjoy this incredible recipe as much as we do. Let us know your thoughts in the comments or share your creation on Instagram! Don’t forget to tag us, @KeyToMyLime, and use the hashtag #KeyToMyLime.
Click here to discover more mouthwatering recipes and learn all about the amazing world of BBQ.
More Delicious Recipes
Looking for more amazing casserole recipes? Check out these popular options:
- Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Mexican Cornbread Casserole
- Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Walking Taco Casserole
And if you’re looking for the perfect side dish to accompany your meal, our side dish recipe section has you covered. From loaded baked potato salad to Southern green beans, you’ll find a wide variety of options to choose from.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to make the best baked beans ever! Try these baked beans with ground beef, and prepare to be blown away by their incredible flavor.
