Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Baked Beans with Ground Beef is one of those tried-and-true dishes that always shows up at the best get-togethers. Also known as baked beans and hamburger meat, it’s meaty, flavorful, frugal, and filling!

Using canned baked beans keeps this simple recipe easy, and adding a few pantry staples turns it into the best baked beans recipe that tastes homemade and feeds a lot of people!

Looking for more easy recipes to take to a potluck or family gathering? Try our Cowboy Baked Beans, Southern Coleslaw, Southern Potato Salad, or Dill Pickle Pasta Salad.

While these may not be considered traditional Southern baked beans, since they are not made from scratch with a dry bean mixture, this easy baked beans recipe still delivers that comforting, Southern-style flavor everyone loves. In Kentucky, baked beans are a staple at every barbecue and summer cookout, and I think they should be served all year long!

Whether you call it baked beans and hamburger, hamburger baked beans, or BBQ beans with hamburger meat, this simple recipe checks all the boxes for a great recipe to serve at a family dinner, potluck, or cookout. Is it a classic side dish or a baked bean casserole? Honestly, it’s both.

These hamburger baked beans work as a hearty side dish or a meaty main for any dinner and are perfect when you need something easy that feeds a crowd.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Baked Beans with Ground Beef Recipe:

• Ground Beef
• Onion
• Baked beans: Use kidney beans, butter beans, navy beans, just about any beans will work in this simple recipe!
• Ketchup
• Brown Sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

INGREDIENT NOTES:

• Ground Beef: I used 1 pound of ground beef, but you can add an extra half a pound if you want a real meaty flavor. I prefer 80/20 beef, but feel free to use lean ground beef or ground pork instead. 
• Baked Beans: I used Bush’s beans, but different brands of canned beans will work just fine!
• Seasonings: A mix of ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and garlic powder creates a delicious sweet and tangy sauce.

HOW TO MAKE BAKED BEANS WITH GROUND BEEF STEP BY STEP

• Step 1: Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.
• Step 2: In a Dutch oven or large skillet, cook the round beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain the excess grease.
• Step 3: In a large bowl, add the beef and onions, then stir in the cn of beans, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine the remaining ingredients.
• Step 4: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
• Step 5: Bake uncovered for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the hearty baked beans are bubbling and heated through. For best results, let cool slightly to room temperature before serving.

How to Make Baked Beans with Ground Beef in a Crockpot:

To make baked beans in a slow cooker, first brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet, then drain the grease. Add the cooked meat and all other ingredients to your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until heated through and bubbly. This slow cooker method is perfect when you need an easy set-it-and-forget-it option for potlucks or busy days

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.
Freezing:  After cooking, let the beans cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and bake or microwave until heated through.

Additions & Substitutions

ADDITIONS:

• Bacon: Add cooked, crumbled crispy bacon for extra flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Add chopped green peppers or a red bell pepper for a bit of color and crunch.
• Spices: Add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika for additional depth of flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons to balance the sweetness and brighten the flavor.
• Extra Mustard: Increase the yellow mustard to 1 1/2 tablespoons for a tangier, more pronounced flavor.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative.
• Brown Sugar: Substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetener option.

Questions about these BBQ Beans with Hamburger Meat

• Can I make baked beans with ground beef ahead of time?
  Yes. Prepare the dish completely, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F until it’s hot and bubbly.
• What’s the difference between ground beef and hamburger meat?
  They’re basically the same thing. Ground beef is just the uncooked version of what a lot of people casually call hamburger meat. Some people use the terms interchangeably, and that’s totally fine. Either one will work great in this recipe.

What Can I Serve with these Easy Baked Beans?

Serve this easy baked beans recipe with hamburger and hot dogs, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It’s also a great side for barbecues and summer cookouts.

Need a bread to go with these baked beans? Try this Honey Cornmeal Yeast Bread from The Wandering Hulasquatch, it’s so yummy!