Texas Style Baked Beans
A hearty, smoky baked beans dish with ground beef, rich tomato flavors, and a hint of sweetness, perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet.
- Drain off fat.
- Add package of onion soup mix and 1 cup water; stir.
- Add brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir well.
- Bring to a boil.
- Add beans and tomatoes.
- Simmer until flavors are melded and hot, or transfer to a crock-pot and simmer all day for more flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding diced bacon or smoked sausage to the skillet when browning the beef. You can also substitute black beans for the Pinto beans or use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness. If you want to add some heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños can enhance the flavor without overwhelming the dish. This recipe is a great companion to Moussaka (American Style).
Serving Suggestions
Serve Texas Style Baked Beans hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or shredded cheese. They pair excellently with cornbread or grilled meats, making for a hearty meal. Consider serving alongside a fresh coleslaw or a simple green salad for balance. For a complete meal, they also go well with recipes like Chuck Wagon Mac or Hamburger Macaroni Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Texas Style Baked Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you can use a microwave or a stovetop pan. If the beans seem dry, add a splash of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency. These beans also freeze well for up to 3 months; just ensure they are fully cooled before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Style Baked Beans contains roughly 422 calories, with 21g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 868mg per serving (38% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make Texas Style Baked Beans vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using plant-based meat substitutes or simply adding more beans and vegetables. You may also want to use vegetable broth instead of water to enhance the flavor.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the beans?
To adjust the sweetness, you can either increase or decrease the amount of brown sugar based on your preference. For a less sweet dish, start with half the recommended amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired flavor.
What can I serve with these baked beans?
Texas Style Baked Beans are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. They go great with grilled meats like ribs or chicken, and you can also serve them with cornbread, coleslaw, or even atop baked potatoes for a filling meal.
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).