Baked Beans With Ground Beef Topping
A hearty baked beans dish topped with savory ground beef and vegetables, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, cook ground beef in its own fat until browned.
- Add green peppers, onions, and celery; sauté until the beef is brown and vegetables are limp.
- Stir in tomato sauce, water, vinegar, garlic, mustard, thyme, brown sugar, salt, and pepper; simmer together for 5 minutes.
- Turn pork and beans into a greased 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Spoon the meat mixture over the top of the beans.
- Bake in a moderately hot oven (375°F) for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the meat mixture. If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option. To enhance the dish, try adding a tablespoon of barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked beans with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, pair with Country-Fried Steak With Onions. This dish also makes a great filling for baked potatoes or as a topping for nachos for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the baked beans in a baking dish and cover with foil. Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Beans With Ground Beef Topping contains roughly 318 calories, with 3g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1890mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and layer it over the beans a day in advance. Just cover the baking dish and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I do if the dish is too salty?
If your baked beans turn out too salty, adding a bit of brown sugar or honey can help balance the flavors. Another option is to stir in some unsalted beans or cooked potatoes to absorb excess saltiness.
Can I freeze baked beans with ground beef topping?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, or microwave until hot.
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).