Meaty Baked Beans
Hearty and savory baked beans with rich bacon and ground beef flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of molasses, catsup, and crispy bacon creates a sweet and smoky profile that appeals to comfort food lovers and those craving a filling, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the bacon until crispy.
- Saute the hamburger and chopped onion in the bacon drippings.
- Crumble 10 slices of cooked bacon into the hamburger and onion mixture.
- Add the molasses, catsup, and remaining ingredients to the mixture.
- Pour everything into a baking dish.
- Crumble the remaining 2 slices of bacon on top of the mixture.
- Bake at 325°F for 30 to 40 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you're out of molasses, honey or maple syrup can be a great substitute. You can also use ground turkey instead of hamburger for a leaner option. This dish is versatile, so feel free to include additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
These meaty baked beans make a hearty side dish for barbecues or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with grilled meats or cornbread. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh salad such as Black-Eyed Pea Salad or a light soup like Creamy Tomato Soup. They also make great leftovers, perfect for a Quick And Tasty Skillet Meal the next day.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the baked beans cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. For reheating, simply warm them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meaty Baked Beans contains roughly 845 calories, with 10g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (52% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 651mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meaty baked beans a day ahead. Just follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they're heated through.
Can I freeze the baked beans?
Yes, you can freeze the baked beans. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a saucepan or microwave until heated through.
What can I substitute for bacon?
If you're looking for a bacon substitute, try using turkey bacon or even diced smoked sausage for a similar flavor. For a vegetarian option, you could use mushrooms sautéed in olive oil to add umami, though the texture will differ from the original recipe.
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).