Savory Baked Beans with Ground Beef

 Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (28 oz / 800g) baked beans in tomato sauce

• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup (250ml) barbecue sauce

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon yellow or Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.

3. Build the Sauce: To the skillet, add the baked beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to blend.

5. Bake: Pour the bean and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes, or until hot and bubbling around the edges.

6. Add Cheese (Optional): If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking, until melted and golden.

7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, ideally with a side of cornbread, biscuits, or over steamed rice.

Tips & Variations

• Beef Choices: For a richer flavor, use an 80/20 blend of ground beef. You can also substitute with ground turkey or a plant-based ground meat.

• Bean Swap: Feel free to use other canned beans like black beans or cannellini beans based on your preference.

• Sauce Control: For a tangier dish, use a vinegar-based BBQ sauce. For a sweeter, smokier profile, choose a hickory or mesquite sauce.

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño with the onion for a kick of heat.

• Bacon Lover's Twist: Cook 4-6 slices of chopped bacon in the skillet first, remove, then cook the beef in the bacon fat. Stir the crispy bacon back in with the beans.

Storage: Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. This bake also freezes well for up to 3 months.