How To Make Ground Beef Baked Beans: A Step-by-step Guide For A Perfect Dish

Baked beans are a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They’re perfect for a cold winter night or a summer picnic. While traditional baked beans are made with pork, this recipe uses ground beef for a leaner and more flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (16 ounce) can pork and beans
• 1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans
• 1 (16 ounce) can black beans
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the pork and beans, kidney beans, black beans, tomatoes, onion, green pepper, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, ground mustard, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the beans are heated through.

Tips:

• For a spicier dish, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
• If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute honey or maple syrup.
• Serve the baked beans with cornbread, crackers, or rice.

Variations:

• Add 1/2 cup of chopped bacon to the mixture for a smoky flavor.
• Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.
• Top the baked beans with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for a creamy finish.

Health Benefits of Ground Beef Baked Beans:

• Ground beef is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc.
• Beans are a good source of fiber, protein, and vitamins.
• Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
• Onions and green peppers are good sources of vitamins and minerals.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the ground beef baked beans as a main course or side dish.
• Pair the baked beans with cornbread, crackers, or rice.
• Top the baked beans with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or onions.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

• Slow Cooker: Add all of the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Instant Pot: Add all of the ingredients to an Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before serving.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
A: Yes, you can use canned beans in this recipe. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the skillet.

Q: How long can I store the baked beans?
A: The baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze the baked beans?
A: Yes, the baked beans can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely before freezing.