How to Make Classic Baked Beans with Hamburger Meat

Baked beans are a beloved side dish, perfect for backyard barbecues and potlucks. When made with hamburger meat, they become even more hearty, protein-packed, and satisfying. This classic recipe transforms humble canned beans into a flavorful crowd-pleaser by simmering them with seasoned ground beef, sweet and tangy ingredients, and spices.

Read on to learn how to make these easy, delicious baked beans with hamburger meat from scratch.

Overview

Baked beans with hamburger meat is a simple recipe that takes canned beans to the next level Here’s what you can expect

• Prep Time: 10 Minutes
• Cook Time: 1 Hour
• Total Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
• Servings: 8

The ingredient list includes:

• Hamburger meat
• Onion and bell pepper
• Canned baked beans
• Ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar
• Spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
• Apple cider vinegar

The cooking process involves:

• Browning the hamburger meat
• Sautéing the veggies
• Combining everything in a baking dish
• Baking until thickened and savory

The result? Scrumptious beans loaded with flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make perfect baked beans with hamburger meat:

1. Cook the Ground Beef

Start by browning 1 pound of lean ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat Break it up into crumbles as it cooks,

Drain excess grease when finished and set the cooked beef aside.

2. Sauté the Onion and Bell Pepper

In the same skillet, sauté 1⁄2 cup each of diced onion and bell pepper with a bit of olive oil. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Mix Everything Together

In a casserole dish, combine the browned beef, sautéed veggies, 1 (28 oz) can baked beans, 1⁄2 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1⁄4 tsp each garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar.

Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated

4. Bake the Beans

Bake the bean mixture uncovered at 400°F for 45-60 minutes. Stir halfway through baking. They’re ready when thickened and bubbling.

5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Enjoy these savory baked beans with hamburger meat as a side or even piled on top of a burger!

Tips for Making Great Baked Beans with Hamburger Meat

• Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of fat to lean. This ratio prevents dry, crumbly beef.

• Drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid greasy beans. Keep just enough for flavor.

• Sauté the onions and peppers first to bring out their full, sweet flavor.

• Flavor the beef by browning with garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• Use high-quality baked beans. Go for a name brand with lots of sauce and pork.

• Lean towards tangy flavored beans rather than super sweet varieties.

• Add enough brown sugar and ketchup to make the beans sticky and sweet, but not overly so.

• Worcestershire sauce adds depth, but use a light hand as it’s potent.

• Simmer uncovered so the sauce can reduce and thicken. The beans will have a richer taste.

• Stir halfway through baking to redistribute everything.

• Adjust seasoning at the end to perfect the flavor. Add more sugar, vinegar, salt, or pepper as needed.

Follow these tips and you’ll have rave-worthy baked beans with hamburger meat every time!

Customize the Flavor

The basic recipe makes classic baked beans, but you can customize them to suit your tastes:

• Make it sweet: Add more brown sugar or honey.

• Give it some heat: Add a few shakes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

• Go bold with barbecue: Use a smoky BBQ sauce instead of ketchup.

• Get creative with mix-ins: Try bacon, sliced hot dogs, pineapple tidbits, or bourbon.

• Experiment with spices: Cumin, chili powder, dry mustard, and red pepper flakes all work.

Let your imagination run wild to create signature baked beans with hamburger meat.

Storage and Reheating

Properly stored, leftover baked beans will keep for:

• Fridge: 5 to 7 days
• Freezer: 2 to 3 months

To reheat, place refrigerated beans in a saucepan with a splash of water. Warm through over medium-low heat.

For frozen beans, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add water or sauce if needed.

Reheating on the stovetop, rather than the microwave, prevents drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making baked beans with hamburger meat:

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Use lean ground turkey for a healthier version. Add sauce to prevent dryness.

Do I have to sauté the onion and pepper?

It’s recommended for maximum flavor, but you can skip this step in a pinch.

What kind of beans work best?

Bush’s Original Baked Beans are a top choice, but any pork and molasses baked beans will do. Avoid salt-free or honey flavors.

How do I make them spicier?

Add 1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce until you reach desired heat level.

Can I prep and freeze this dish?

Yes! Allow beans to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Enjoy Classic Baked Beans with Hamburger Meat

Now you’re ready to make these easy, delicious baked beans piled high with seasoned ground beef. From the flavorful sauce to the tender beans and beef bits, this satisfying side is sure to become a favorite. Adjust the ingredients to make it your own.

Serve these baked beans at your next backyard cookout or weekday family dinner. Leftovers can be frozen for quick meals down the road. No matter how you enjoy them, this classic recipe always delivers on comfort and flavor.