A hearty and flavorful dish, Smoky Baked Beans with Ground Beef blends the rich, smoky-sweet taste of baked beans with the savory depth of ground beef, bell pepper, and spices. This versatile recipe can be prepared on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a slow cooker, making it a reliable choice for weeknight dinners, summer BBQs, potlucks, or cozy family meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is more than just baked beans — it’s a complete comfort dish that adds protein and flavor for a more satisfying experience. The addition of ground beef transforms a classic side into a meal-worthy option, while the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and hot sauce give it a bold and smoky profile. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and works for any occasion — from weeknight dinners to festive cookouts.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ground beef
- olive oil
- green bell pepper, finely diced
- onion, finely diced
- canned baked beans
- Worcestershire sauce
- yellow mustard
- brown sugar
- hot sauce
- salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Stovetop Method:
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, heat olive oil and sauté the diced green bell pepper and onion until soft and translucent.
- Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the baked beans, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and hot sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Oven Method:
- After browning and draining the beef, transfer it to a Dutch oven.
- Add all remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbling and heated through.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Place the cooked ground beef in a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cook on high for 1 hour or on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories per serving: 266 kcal
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a plant-based alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Use a spicier hot sauce or add diced jalapeños.
- Sweet Touch: Increase the brown sugar or use a sweet BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor.
- Bacon Boost: Add crispy chopped bacon for extra smokiness.
- Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top before baking for a cheesy finish.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. For oven reheating, place in a covered baking dish and warm at 300°F (150°C) until hot.
FAQs
What kind of beans should I use if I don’t have canned baked beans?
You can use canned navy beans or pinto beans and season them with molasses, ketchup, and a bit of brown sugar to replicate baked beans.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for the best flavor.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes well. Cool the beans completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well with the same seasonings.
How can I make this dish less sweet?
Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a low-sugar baked bean variety.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Use a large pot or Dutch oven and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in short intervals. Add a splash of water if it thickens too much.
How do I make this dish in the slow cooker from start to finish?
Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 2–3 hours or high for 1 hour.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, chopped carrots, celery, or corn can be added for extra texture and nutrition.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be, if you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and verify that your baked beans are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
Smoky Baked Beans with Ground Beef is a comforting, protein-packed twist on a classic side dish. Whether you prepare it on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a slow cooker, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With its savory blend of flavors and adaptable cooking methods, this dish is perfect for weeknights, cookouts, or any gathering where hearty comfort food is welcomed.
PrintSmoky Baked Beans with Ground Beef
A hearty, smoky-sweet side dish featuring tender baked beans simmered with savory ground beef, green peppers, and a hint of spice — perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or cozy gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Oven, Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ onion, finely diced
- 3 (22 oz) cans baked beans
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon hot sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, heat olive oil and sauté the green bell pepper and onion until tender and translucent.
- Return the beef to the pot and stir in baked beans, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and hot sauce. Mix until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer on low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. (Stovetop Method)
- Alternatively, after browning and draining the beef, transfer it to a Dutch oven. Add all remaining ingredients, stir well, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. (Oven Method)
- Or, combine cooked beef and all remaining ingredients in a crockpot. Stir to mix evenly and cook on high for 1 hour or low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. (Slow Cooker Method)
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Use different types of beans for variety if desired.
- Perfect as a main dish or a BBQ side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 266 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg