The Ground Beef and Baked Beans That Pull Double Duty

Baked beans with ground beef are what happen when a classic side dish gets a hearty upgrade. Packed with bacon, beans, and a flavorful sauce, they're easy to make, great for feeding a crowd, and substantial enough to turn a simple meal into something a little more memorable.

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It's a must-make.

Baked beans with ground beef that can pull double duty as a side dish or a hearty meal.

• It's sweet and savory. The combination of BBQ sauce, brown sugar, bacon, and beans creates the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.
• Hearty and filling. Ground beef, bacon, and several varieties of beans add plenty of protein and make this recipe satisfying enough for dinner.
• It's easy. Most of the ingredients come straight from the pantry, including canned beans, making prep simple.
• Perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you're headed to a potluck, cookout, or holiday gathering, this recipe makes enough for everyone.

Let's talk texture and flavor.

Every bite is loaded with tender beans, savory ground beef, smoky bacon, and pockets of melty cheese. The sauce bakes down into a rich, slightly sticky coating with just the right amount of sweetness from the brown sugar and ketchup, balanced by tangy BBQ sauce and Worcestershire. It's thick, comforting, and packed with classic backyard barbecue flavor.

What you'll need.

Here's what your going to need to make baked beans with hamburger.

• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and richness throughout the dish.
• Ground Beef: Creates a heartier texture and boosts the protein.
• Onion: Adds savory depth and sweetness as it cooks.
• Green Bell Pepper: Brings a little freshness and texture.
• Pork and Beans: The classic base for baked beans.
• Chili Beans: Add extra flavor and substance.
• Lima Beans: Contribute a creamy texture.
• Kidney Beans: Add color, texture, and additional protein.
• Barbeque Sauce: Gives the sauce its smoky-sweet character.
• Brown Sugar: Helps create that classic baked bean sweetness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory umami boost.
• Ketchup: Brings a touch of tang and sweetness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Optional, but highly recommended for extra richness.

Customize it your way.

One of the best things about hamburger baked beans is how easy they are to make your own.

• Swap the bacon for diced smoked ham.
• Stir in jalapeños for a little heat. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Red pepper flakes, chipotle powder, hot sauce, or diced green chilies are all too.
• Vary any combination of beans except the pork and beans, which are an essential flavor in this dish.
• Add extra green bell peppers for more vegetables.
• Use ground turkey or pork in place of ground beef.
• Mix in a little smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Top with sliced green onions before serving.

Flexible dietary swaps.

Baked beans with ground beef are already pretty flexible, and a few simple swaps can help you tailor this recipe to fit your family's dietary needs without giving up that classic sweet and savory flavor.

• Lower-Sugar: Use a brown sugar substitute and sugar-free BBQ sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Double-check that your BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup are certified gluten-free.
• Lower-Fat: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey and reduce the bacon amount.
• Dairy-Free: Simply leave out the cheese.
• Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and ground beef and add an extra can of beans for a hearty meatless version.

How to make hamburger baked beans.

The secret to great hamburger baked beans is giving all those sweet, savory, smoky flavors time to mingle in the oven.

1. Cook the bacon until crisp, then set it aside and reserve a little of the bacon fat in the skillet.
2. Brown the ground beef with the onion and bell pepper until the meat is fully cooked.
3. Stir the bacon back in along with all the beans, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup.
4. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish and bake until thick and bubbly.
5. Stir in the cheese during the final 30 minutes of baking.

How to enjoy them.

These baked beans with ground beef are delicious straight from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, green onions, or extra cheese on top.

• Serve alongside grilled burgers, chicken, ribs, or pulled pork.
• Pair with coleslaw and cornbread for a classic barbecue meal.
• Spoon over baked potatoes for a hearty dinner.
• Bring it to a potluck or cookout where it can easily feed a crowd.
• Enjoy leftovers as a filling lunch the next day.

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