Warm up a pan of my Baked Beans with Ground Beef, also known as cowboy beans, and serve a hearty, smoky dish that’s packed with comfort and bold flavor. Combine tender baked beans with seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and a rich ketchup-mustard sauce for a sweet-savory balance that makes this recipe a classic for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or backyard gatherings. Bake everything together until bubbling and topped with crisp bacon for a satisfying dish that works just as well as a main meal as it does alongside grilled favorites.
Recipe at a glance
- Recipe: Baked Beans with Ground Beef
- Serves: 8
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Key Ingredients: Baked Beans, Ground Beef, Bacon, Tomato Ketchup
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Ingredients
- Bacon
- Ground Beef
- Baked Beans
- Bell Pepper
- Onion
- Garlic
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Soy Sauce
See recipe card for quantities.
How to prepare Baked Beans with Ground Beed
Start making the Baked Beans with Ground Beef by preheating the oven to 350F and prepare a 9"x13" baking dish.
Start by cooking the onion and garlic in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook through.
Add the chopped bell pepper to the cooked ground beef in the pan. Cook for a few minutes.
Turn the heat off and add the cans of beans to the skillet.
Add the ketchup, mustard and soy sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine everything together.
Pour the baked beans with ground beef into the baking dish and smooth it out. Distribute the raw bacon pieces evenly over the baked beans.
Place the dish into the preheated 375F oven and bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. When done baking, you may want to place it under the broiler to crisp up the bacon.
Substitutions
Here are a few ways to make this dish so you can use up what you already have.
- Baked Beans - They come in many different types. I used the ones in tomato sauce for this recipe, but you can definitely use any other type, like the ones in molasses.
- Meat - Substitute the ground beef a type of ground poultry like chicken or turkey.
- Veggies - Replace the bell pepper with a cup of broccoli or even carrots.
When replacing these ingredients in the recipe, make sure that you are using the same quantities. This will help achieving a similar end result.
Got leftovers of Baked Beans with Ground Beef?
Let the baked beans cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container to prevent excess moisture from forming. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, where the flavors will continue to deepen and improve over time. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating until hot throughout.
You may also like
If you enjoyed the hearty, comforting flavors in this Baked Beans with Ground Beef, try Cranberry Turkey Chili for another satisfying bean-based dish that brings together pantry staples and bold, cozy flavors in a one-pot meal. Add Pasta Salad with Kidney Beans to your menu when you’re looking for a lighter, make-ahead option that highlights beans in a fresh and creamy format. Explore White Bean Barley Salad or White Bean Caprese Salad for two more easy ways to build meals around beans with simple vegetables and bright dressings. Round things out with Alfredo Meatballs when you’re craving another comforting recipe that pairs rich, savory flavors with a satisfying main-dish feel similar to this baked bean classic.
Recipe
Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil , to cook the onions and garlic
- 1 large White Onion , finely chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic , minced
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
- 1 large Bell Pepper (any color) , chopped
- 3 cans Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce (398ml /14 fl. oz cans)
- ½ cup Tomato Ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- 8 strips Bacon , chopped in ½ inch pieces
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350F and have a 9"x13" baking dish at your disposal.
- Preheat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Drizzle in the olive oil and cook the onions and the garlic for a few minutes. Add in the ground beef and cook it fully.
- Once the ground beef is cooked, turn off the heat. Add in the 3 cans of beans to the ground beef mixture. Also add the ketchup, mustard, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour the bean and beef mixture into your 9"x13" baking dish and level it out. Scatter the chopped raw bacon evenly on top of the dish.
- Place the baking dish, uncovered, into the preheated 350F oven for 45 minute. After baking, you may want to place it under a broiler to crisp up the bacon even more. Take out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
A fun and satisfying side or make a meal with some garlic toast!