You’ll love this recipe if you like this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet and Cheesy Beef Casserole.
Using canned beans means you’re not soaking dried beans overnight or waiting hours for them to cook. You skip the long simmering, but still get the same rich flavor you’d expect. Adding ground beef straight to the beans turns this into a full dinner without extra steps or dishes.
If your family likes beans sweeter or with more kick, it’s easy to adjust — this recipe is flexible enough for tweaks without throwing off the balance. The flavors stay simple, and kids usually like it, even picky eaters.
You also get some flexibility when cooking the onions and bell peppers (Step 2 in the recipe). Cook them separately if you prefer softer vegetables and less grease. Or, cook them directly with the beef to save time and dishes, letting the vegetables pick up extra flavor from the beef drippings.
Once everything is simmering, there’s no need to stand at the stove. You can step away, just stirring occasionally. Leftovers reheat easily, and the flavor gets even better overnight. It won’t turn mushy when warmed back up, making it a good choice for lunches or nights when everyone eats at different times.
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💛 Why you’ll love this recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients and just one pot.
- Can be served as a main dish or hearty side dish.
- Family-friendly (a reliable option for picky eaters).
➡️ Ingredients you’ll need
⏲ How to make this easy baked beans with ground beef recipe
👉 Easy ingredient swaps
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey, pork, or even sausage all work well.
- Baked Beans: Use any brand or flavor — maple, hickory, or brown sugar baked beans; each adds a slightly different taste.
- Mustard: Dijon gives a sharper bite; yellow keeps it classic.
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang, but red wine or white vinegar works fine too.
✨ Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
- Sweet and Tangy: Mix in a little crushed pineapple or a spoonful of molasses for depth.
- More Veggies: Stir in diced carrots, corn, or celery when cooking the onion and bell pepper.
- Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top and let it melt before serving. Other good choices are crispy bacon, sliced green onions, sour cream, or fresh parsley.
〰️ How to serve
- Bread — Jiffy corn casserole, dinner rolls, crusty bread, biscuits.
- Potatoes — Baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, potato wedges, roasted baby potatoes.
- Salad — Coleslaw, simple green salad, cucumber salad, broccoli salad.
- Veggies — Roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, sautéed zucchini, roasted carrots.
💬 FAQs
How should leftovers be stored?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and eat within 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts until heated through. If the beans have thickened after refrigeration, stir in a splash of water or broth when reheating.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, let it cool, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cans baked beans (15-ounces each or 2 28-ounce cans), do not drain
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1½ Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon mustard, yellow or Dijon
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons vinegar, apple cider or red wine
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound ground beef until browned (about 5 minutes), breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease, if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables (Choose One; See Notes):Option A – Separate (less grease/softer veg): Transfer browned beef to a bowl. In same pot, add 1 medium onion and 1 small green bell pepper (with a small splash of water or oil if the pot looks dry). Cook, stirring, until softened, about 3-4 minutes, then stir in ¾ teaspoon garlic powder.Option B – Together (faster/richer flavor): Leave beef in the pot. Add 1 medium onion and 1 small green bell pepper and cook, stirring, until vegetables soften, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in ¾ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in baked beans, ½ cup ketchup, 1½ Tablespoons brown sugar, 1 Tablespoon mustard, 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons vinegar, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional) if using. Mix everything together until combined. If beef was removed from pot, add it back in now.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover loosely, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the mixture thickens and starts bubbling.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust — add a splash of vinegar for brightness, more brown sugar for sweetness, or extra liquid smoke if you like a smokier flavor. Serve hot.
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