These Easy Baked Beans with Ground Beef are hearty, smoky, and slightly sweet — an ideal side for potlucks, backyard BBQs, or a comforting family meal. Ground beef, bell pepper, onions, brown sugar, mustard, and a touch of Worcestershire come together to transform canned baked beans into a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to prepare and easy to scale.
This recipe is my reliable go-to when I need a filling side that satisfies a crowd. It’s faster than making beans entirely from scratch, yet the added ground beef and seasonings give the dish a homemade, Southern-inspired flavor. The simple ingredient list makes it an effortless option for holidays, summer gatherings, or any time you need a comforting, make-ahead side.
Why We Love This Recipe
- One-pot stovetop or oven-friendly preparation makes cleanup quick and easy.
- Feeds a crowd — perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or potlucks.
- Uses common pantry ingredients, so you can often prepare it without a special trip to the store.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Ground beef — 80/20 ground beef adds great flavor and tenderness. If you prefer less fat, choose a leaner blend and drain more thoroughly.
Bell pepper — Green bell pepper is classic here, but red or orange bell peppers add sweetness. For heat, substitute jalapeño (seeded for milder heat).
Baked beans — Use your favorite canned baked beans; the recipe calls for 66 ounces total (three 22-ounce cans). Pick a BBQ-flavored or plain variety depending on how smoky or sweet you want the base.
Yellow mustard — Adds a bright, tangy note. Spicy brown mustard can be used for more depth.
Brown sugar — Balances the savory components with sweetness. Substitute a little molasses if you want a richer flavor.
Hot sauce — Optional, for a subtle kick. Worcestershire sauce provides savory umami.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
How to Make Baked Beans with Ground Beef — Step by Step
Step 1: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 2: Add a tablespoon of oil to the same pot and sauté the diced green bell pepper and onion over medium heat until the peppers are tender and the onions turn translucent.
Step 3: Return the cooked beef to the pot. Add the baked beans, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and hot sauce if using. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Cover and simmer on low for about 30 minutes until everything is hot and flavors are melded.
Oven Instructions
After cooking and draining the beef, transfer it to a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot. Add the remaining ingredients, stir until combined, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, about 25–35 minutes.
Slow Cooker Instructions
Place the cooked, drained ground beef in a slow cooker with all other ingredients. Stir to combine and cook on high for 1 hour or on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Recipe Tips
To scale down, use two 16-ounce cans of baked beans and halve the remaining ingredients. When cooking on the stove, stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot. For extra richness and smoky flavor, add crumbled bacon and use a bit of the rendered bacon fat to sauté the onion and pepper.
Tips for Storing and Reheating
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat in 30-second increments in the microwave, stirring between intervals, or warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through.
Common Questions
- What pairs well with these baked beans? Serve them with grilled chicken, sandwiches, pulled pork, or any barbecue main dish.
- Will the beans get too soft if cooked long? They should hold their texture if you simmer gently and avoid over-stirring. Prolonged, aggressive stirring can break the beans.
- Can I make these ahead? Yes. Make ahead and store in the refrigerator, reheating before serving. For best texture and flavor, serve within 1–2 days.
More Sides Like This
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Easy Roasted Lima Beans
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Quick Instant Pot Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon
If you try these Baked Beans with Ground Beef, leave a star rating and comment below to share your experience — it helps others find a reliable, flavorful side dish for their next gathering.
Easy Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Hearty, smoky, and slightly sweet baked beans enhanced with ground beef — an easy side that feeds a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ onion, finely diced
- 3 (22 oz) cans baked beans (total 66 oz)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Stovetop Method
- Cook the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Add oil to the pot and sauté the diced green bell pepper and onion over medium heat until the peppers are tender and the onions are translucent.
- Return the cooked beef to the pot. Add baked beans, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and hot sauce if desired. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and simmer on low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Oven Method
- Place the cooked and drained beef in a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot. Add remaining ingredients, stir to combine, and bake at 350°F until bubbly and hot, about 25–35 minutes.
Slow Cooker Method
- Combine cooked, drained ground beef and all other ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on high for 1 hour or low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Scale Down: Use two 16 oz cans of baked beans and halve the remaining ingredients for a smaller batch.
Cooking Tip: Stir occasionally when simmering on the stove to prevent sticking. For extra smokiness, add crumbled bacon and use some bacon fat to sauté the vegetables.