Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon: A Hearty, Smoky Comfort Classic

Few dishes evoke the warmth and comfort of home quite like a bubbling tray of baked beans. Thick, sweet, smoky, and deeply satisfying, baked beans have long held a cherished spot on American tables—from summer cookouts and church potlucks to weeknight family dinners. But when you enrich them with savory ground beef and crispy bacon, you take this humble side dish and transform it into a fully satisfying main course that feeds both body and soul.

Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon is the kind of dish that tells a story. It’s a recipe born of practicality and generosity, stretching affordable pantry staples like canned beans and ketchup into a dish that’s robust, filling, and absolutely packed with flavor. The combination of soft, slow-baked beans, well-seasoned ground beef, and smoky, rendered bacon creates a deep, complex profile—sweet and tangy from brown sugar and tomato, savory from beef and aromatics, and punctuated by the irresistible crunch of bacon bits scattered throughout.

In many parts of the United States, particularly in the South and Midwest, this dish is considered a staple at gatherings. It appears under names like “Cowboy Beans,” “Calico Beans,” or “Meaty Baked Beans,” depending on regional influence or household tradition. While the variations are endless—ranging from spicy to smoky, molasses-rich to tomato-forward—the heart of the dish remains the same: a satisfying, slow-cooked meal that invites second helpings.

This comprehensive recipe guide doesn’t just show you how to make the best Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon—it teaches you how to build flavor from the ground up. We’ll walk through choosing the right beans (yes, you have options beyond just canned baked beans), selecting your ground meat, choosing your bacon type, and layering spices and seasonings to make the dish truly yours. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a game-day spread, or a cozy fall dinner, this dish delivers both comfort and impact with every spoonful.

You’ll also learn about the history of baked beans in American cuisine, the nutritional value of its ingredients, and how to adapt the recipe for dietary needs or cooking methods (including stovetop, oven-baked, or slow cooker versions). Packed with pro tips, substitutions, serving ideas, and make-ahead strategies, this guide ensures your baked beans don’t just show up—they steal the show.

Ingredients

This recipe yields 6–8 hearty servings.

Base Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef – 80/20 preferred for flavor

• 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 (15 oz) cans of pork and beans, undrained (or 4½ cups cooked beans, if using homemade)

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)

• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (or Dijon, for a sharper flavor)

• 2 tablespoons molasses (optional but adds depth)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins & Variations:

• 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – for heat

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin – for a smoky kick

• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced – for added texture and freshness

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – for tang

• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke – for extra smoky flavor without grilling

Tools & Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Large mixing spoon or spatula

• 9×13-inch baking dish (or equivalent oven-safe casserole dish)

• Cutting board and chef’s knife

• Mixing bowls (for prepping bacon, beef, etc.)

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Foil (if covering during baking)

• Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Chop your bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Have all ingredients pre-measured and ready. This is a layered recipe, and mise en place will keep everything smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon.

2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown, about 7–9 minutes.

3. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan (discard excess, or save for other recipes).

Note: This step builds the smoky, fatty base that defines the flavor of the dish. Resist the urge to skip or replace it with pre-cooked bacon.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

1. In the same skillet (with bacon fat), add the ground beef over medium-high heat.

2. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink—about 6–8 minutes.

3. Season lightly with salt and pepper during cooking.

4. Once cooked, drain off excess fat but leave a small amount for flavor (about 1 tablespoon).

Step 4: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

1. Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the chopped onion to the empty side.

2. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

4. Combine everything in the skillet and reduce heat to low.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl or directly in your baking dish (if deep enough to stir), combine the following:

• Cooked beef and onion mixture

• Reserved crispy bacon

• Pork and beans (with liquid)

• Ketchup

• Barbecue sauce

• Brown sugar

• Yellow mustard

• Molasses (if using)

• Worcestershire sauce

• Smoked paprika

• Optional: red pepper flakes, cumin, bell pepper, or vinegar

Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, oil, or non-stick spray.

2. Pour the bean mixture into the dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.

3. Optional: Sprinkle a few extra pieces of uncooked bacon or shredded cheese on top for added texture.

Step 7: Bake

1. Place the baking dish uncovered in your preheated 350°F oven.

2. Bake for 45–60 minutes, or until:

   • The mixture is bubbling throughout

   • The top is slightly caramelized and thickened

   • The edges are darkened and sticky

Note: If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15–20 minutes.
Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to thicken slightly.

Pro Tips for Flavor and Texture

• Don’t over-drain your beans: The canned bean liquid contains starch that helps thicken the sauce naturally.

• Caramelization is key: That sticky, golden crust around the edges adds rich umami flavor. Let it bake long enough to achieve that.

• Balance sweetness and acid: If the beans taste too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten them up.

• Slow cooker variation: You can prepare all ingredients as above and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are several ways to serve it:

As a Main Dish:

• With cornbread, biscuits, or Texas toast

• Over a bed of white rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles

• Stuffed in a baked potato with shredded cheese on top

As a Side Dish:

• Paired with grilled meats, such as ribs, brisket, hot dogs, or pulled pork

• Alongside classic barbecue fare at a picnic or potluck

• Served with coleslaw and macaroni and cheese for a Southern-style plate