Hearty Baked Beans with Ground Beef Recipe for a Flavor-Packed Meal

If you’ve been searching for a hearty, flavorful, and easy one-pot meal, look no further than this baked beans with ground beef recipe. Packed with rich tomato flavor, tender beans, smoky bacon, and just the right kick from jalapeño peppers, this dish is the perfect fusion of comfort food and bold flavor.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner that doubles as meal prep gold, this protein-packed recipe delivers on every front. It’s not just beans—it’s a full, robust meal in every spoonful.

Why Make This Baked Beans with Ground Beef Recipe?

This dish is more than just a comfort meal. It’s a nutrient-dense, protein-rich, and versatile recipe that suits many occasions and dietary needs. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:

1. Full-Meal Potential

Thanks to the inclusion of both animal and plant-based proteins, this dish is incredibly filling. The combination of beef, beans, and bacon offers a complete protein profile with essential amino acids.

2. Nutrient-Dense Ingredients

Beans are high in fiber, iron, magnesium, and folate, while beef contributes to your daily intake of zinc, vitamin B12, and protein. Jalapeños add capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Bold, Layered Flavor

You get umami from the bacon and beef, sweetness and acidity from the tomatoes, a hint of smokiness from paprika, and heat from the jalapeño. The resulting flavor is deep, complex, and incredibly satisfying.

4. One-Pot Convenience

This meal is prepared in one pot from start to finish, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor development.

5. Meal Prep Friendly

The dish stores well, tastes better the next day, and freezes beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeks or batch cooking.

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Ingredients List

To make this dish, you’ll need pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. This version serves approximately 6.

Proteins and Aromatics

• 1 pound ground beef (preferably 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)

• 4 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and finely diced (adjust heat to taste)

Beans and Sauce

• 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for richer flavor)

Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed, depending on bacon fat yield)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for a rich, well-textured stew with balanced seasoning.

Step 1: Render the Bacon

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the bacon is golden and crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the rendered fat in the pot for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and diced jalapeño to the bacon fat in the pot. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are translucent and softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot with the onions and jalapeños. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if the mixture is too greasy, or leave it in for a richer flavor.

Step 4: Season the Base

Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings coat the meat evenly. Let cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.

Step 5: Add Beans and Tomatoes

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and white beans. Stir to combine all the ingredients well. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6: Simmer Slowly

Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the flavors to develop and the beans to soften into a rich, thick stew.

Step 7: Add Bacon and Serve

Just before serving, stir the cooked bacon back into the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your favorite sides or toppings.

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Tips and Substitutions

Enhance Flavor

• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for brightness.

• A teaspoon of brown sugar can bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes and balance the spice.

Ingredient Swaps

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef if you prefer leaner meat.

• Use pinto or black beans instead of kidney or white beans for variety.

• Replace jalapeño with poblano pepper for milder heat.

Texture Adjustments

• Add 1/2 cup of water or beef broth if the stew becomes too thick during simmering.

• For a smoother consistency, mash some of the beans in the pot as it simmers.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Southwest Beans

Add black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Finish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Cheesy Casserole Version

After cooking, transfer the stew to a baking dish, top with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, and broil for 5 minutes until bubbling and golden.

Vegan Alternative

Skip the meat and bacon. Sauté extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, then use three kinds of beans and smoked paprika for depth.

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Nutritional Information

(Per Serving, Approximate)

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Let the dish cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Keep for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Gently reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened.

• Alternatively, microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring between each session.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.

• Pair with cornbread, buttermilk biscuits, or crusty bread.

• Garnish with green onions, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.

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Common Questions

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes. The flavors continue to deepen as it sits, making it ideal for meal prep. You can make it 1 to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator.

Can I use canned baked beans instead of plain beans?

You can, but reduce the amount of tomato sauce and eliminate added sweeteners or Worcestershire. Canned baked beans already include sauce and seasonings.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your Worcestershire sauce and tomato products are gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure no hidden gluten.

Can I omit the bacon?

Yes. The bacon adds smokiness, but the dish still works well without it. Consider adding a drop of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a similar effect.

How spicy is this dish?

The jalapeño adds mild to medium heat. For a spicier version, leave in the seeds or add cayenne pepper. For less heat, use half a jalapeño or substitute with a mild pepper.

Conclusion

This baked beans with ground beef recipe is the kind of meal that becomes an instant favorite—rich, comforting, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, taking it to a potluck, or freezing portions for future meals, it always hits the spot.

With every bite, you get layers of flavor, from smoky bacon to creamy beans and tender beef. If you’re ready to turn everyday ingredients into something extraordinary, this dish is a must-try.

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