Best Hamburger Baked Beans

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Hearty baked beans with ground beef, sweet and tangy sauces, perfect for casual family dinners or outdoor gatherings with rich, comforting flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb hamburger
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cans pork and beans
  • 1/2 cup catsup
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons mustard

Instructions

  1. Brown hamburger and diced onion together until browned.
  2. Drain fat from the meat and onion mixture.
  3. Mix brown sugar, honey, and mustard together in a small bowl.
  4. Pour the sugar, honey, and mustard mixture over the pork and beans in a 9-inch square pan.
  5. Combine barbecue sauce and catsup in a separate bowl.
  6. Pour the barbecue sauce and catsup mixture over the beans.
  7. Add the cooked hamburger and onion mixture to the beans.
  8. Mix everything well to combine.
  9. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 30 to 45 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the hamburger and onion mixture. If you want to reduce sugar, you can use sugar-free barbecue sauce and adjust the honey to taste. For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the mixture. This dish can also be made with turkey or plant-based ground meat for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious baked beans alongside grilled meats or as a hearty side dish for a backyard barbecue. They pair beautifully with Mom's Delicious Green Beans and cornbread for a complete meal. For a casual gathering, set out a toppings bar with chopped onions, shredded cheese, and hot sauce to let guests customize their serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in individual portions or warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also freeze the baked beans for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Best Hamburger Baked Beans contains roughly 805 calories, with 7g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (79% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 716mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

805 kcal 40% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7g 14% DV
Total Fat 44.6g 57% DV
Carbs 99.5g 36% DV
Fiber 3.4g 12% DV
Sugar 86g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 716.4mg 31% DV
Potassium 451.8mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 45.5mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 713.6mcg 79% DV
Vitamin C 34.9mg 39% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 243.7mg 19% DV
Iron 2.4mg 13% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish a day ahead. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it in the oven as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

What can I substitute for pork and beans?

If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can use navy beans or kidney beans mixed with a bit of tomato sauce as a substitute for pork and beans. This will provide a similar texture and flavor while reducing the sodium content in the dish.

How can I spice up the flavor of these beans?

To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. You could also incorporate a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Experimenting with spices like cumin or chili powder can also enhance the flavor.

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).

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