Hearty Baked Beans with Beef: A Flavorful and Filling Recipe

Baked beans are a classic comfort food, often enjoyed as a side dish at barbecues and picnics. But they can be so much more! By adding ground beef, we transform this simple dish into a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe for baked beans with beef is packed with flavor, thanks to a combination of savory beef, sweet molasses, tangy ketchup, and a hint of spice. It’s perfect for a chilly evening, a potluck gathering, or any time you’re craving a delicious and easy-to-make dish.

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe elevates baked beans beyond the ordinary for several key reasons:

* **Beefy Flavor:** Ground beef adds a rich, savory depth that canned baked beans simply can’t provide. Browning the beef properly is crucial for developing maximum flavor.
* **Homemade Sauce:** The sauce is made from scratch, allowing you to control the sweetness, tanginess, and spice level. Molasses, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce create a complex and balanced flavor profile.
* **Slow Cooking:** Baking the beans in the oven allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and harmonious dish.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is a great starting point, and you can easily customize it to your liking by adding different types of beans, vegetables, or spices.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious baked beans with beef:

* **Dried Navy Beans:** 1 pound (about 2 cups). Navy beans are the traditional choice for baked beans, but you can also use Great Northern beans or other white beans.
* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound. Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to minimize grease.
* **Bacon:** 4 slices, chopped. Bacon adds a smoky flavor that complements the beef and beans perfectly.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onion works well.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is always best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
* **Ketchup:** 1 cup. Adds sweetness and tanginess to the sauce.
* **Molasses:** 1/2 cup. Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness that is characteristic of baked beans.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/4 cup. Adds additional sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce.
* **Yellow Mustard:** 2 tablespoons. Contributes a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 2 tablespoons. Adds umami and depth of flavor.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons. Provides a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
* **Dry Mustard:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the mustard flavor.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Water:** 6-8 cups, or as needed.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Bowl:** For soaking the beans.
* **Large Dutch Oven or Oven-Safe Pot:** For cooking the beans.
* **Skillet or Frying Pan:** For browning the beef and bacon.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons**
* **Cutting Board and Knife**

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect baked beans with beef:

**Step 1: Soak the Beans**

* Rinse the dried navy beans thoroughly under cold water.
* Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with at least 6 cups of cold water. The beans will expand as they soak, so make sure there’s plenty of water.
* Soak the beans for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This will help to soften the beans and reduce cooking time. A quick soak method can be used in a pinch (see tips below), but overnight soaking is best.

**Step 2: Cook the Beans (If Not Using Canned)**

*Drain the soaked beans and place them in a Dutch oven or large pot.
Cover with fresh water, about 2-3 inches above the beans.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the beans are tender but not mushy, about 1-1.5 hours. The cooking time will vary depending on the age of the beans.
Drain the beans, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
If using canned beans, drain and rinse them. Skip directly to Step 4. Reduce water by 1-2 cups in step 6 if using canned beans as they already contain liquid.

**Step 3: Brown the Beef and Bacon**

* While the beans are soaking or simmering, prepare the beef and bacon.
* In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
* Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon grease in the pan.
* Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.

**Step 4: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**

* Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the remaining bacon grease (or a tablespoon of olive oil if you drained all the grease).
* Cook over medium heat until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

**Step 5: Combine Ingredients**

* In the Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, combine the cooked beans, browned beef, cooked bacon, sautéed onion and garlic.

**Step 6: Make the Sauce**

* In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
* Pour the sauce over the bean mixture in the Dutch oven.
*Add reserved bean cooking liquid, or fresh water, until the beans are mostly covered but still have some beans visible above the liquid line. Generally 6-8 cups of water is sufficient if the beans weren’t pre-cooked. Reduce this amount by 1-2 cups if using canned beans, as they already have some liquid.

**Step 7: Bake the Beans**

* Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
* Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and bake for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally during baking to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
* If the beans become too dry during baking, add a little more water.
* During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the lid to allow the sauce to further thicken and caramelize.

**Step 8: Rest and Serve**

* Once the beans are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more.
* Serve the baked beans with beef hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped green onions, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Quick Soak Method:** If you’re short on time, you can use the quick soak method for the beans. Place the beans in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
* **Different Types of Beans:** While navy beans are the traditional choice, you can also use Great Northern beans, cannellini beans, or pinto beans.
* **Add Vegetables:** For added nutrition and flavor, try adding chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the beans.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
* **Smoked Meats:** For an even smokier flavor, use smoked bacon or add a smoked ham hock to the beans while they are baking.
* **Sweetness Adjustment:** If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of molasses and brown sugar.
* **Crock-Pot/Slow Cooker Method:** These beans can also be made in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Ensure the beans are submerged in the sauce for even cooking.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Omit the ground beef and bacon for a vegetarian version. You can add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to give it a smoky flavor. Add more vegetables for substance.

## Serving Suggestions

These baked beans with beef are delicious served on their own as a main course, or as a side dish with:

* **Grilled Meats:** Burgers, hot dogs, steaks, or chicken.
* **Cornbread:** A classic pairing with baked beans.
* **Coleslaw:** Provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beans.
* **Potato Salad:** Another classic barbecue side dish.
* **Biscuits:** Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover baked beans with beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, freeze the beans in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a little water if needed to prevent them from drying out.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the beans in the microwave on high, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.*

* **Serving Size:** 1 cup
* **Calories:** 350-450
* **Protein:** 20-25g
* **Fat:** 15-20g
* **Carbohydrates:** 40-50g
* **Fiber:** 10-15g

## Conclusion

This recipe for hearty baked beans with beef is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of savory beef, sweet and tangy sauce, and slow-cooked beans, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting dish!

Enjoy your delicious homemade baked beans with beef!