Baked Beans 'N Meat
A hearty and savory dish combining tender ground beef, flavorful vegetables, and sweet, tangy baked beans. Perfect for casual family dinners or potlucks, this comforting casserole offers a balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors with minimal prep and cooking time. A crowd-pleasing, filling meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Transfer the cooked mixture to a crock-pot.
- Stir in the pork and beans, catsup, mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover and cook in the crock-pot for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a sweeter taste, use more brown sugar or add a splash of maple syrup. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with chopped mushrooms and use vegetarian beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked beans 'n meat with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with One Dish Pork Chop Dinner or a simple green salad for a balanced plate. Consider topping with shredded cheese or sliced green onions for added flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. This dish also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Beans 'N Meat contains roughly 765 calories, with 2g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 572mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of pork and beans?
Yes, you can use any canned beans you prefer. Just keep in mind that using plain beans may require you to add extra seasoning or sauce to match the flavor profile of pork and beans.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! To add heat, you can mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. For a smoky flavor, try adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, adjusting to your spice preference.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and vegetable mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just combine all ingredients in the crock-pot the next day and cook as directed. This can save time on busy days!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).