5 Delicious Ways to Make Baked Beans with Ground Meat

Baked beans are a comforting and versatile dish that has found a special place in the hearts of food lovers around the world. When combined with ground meat, this simple staple transforms into a hearty meal, perfect for feeding a family or a crowd. Today, we're exploring five different ways to elevate baked beans with ground meat, each with its unique twist to suit various tastes and preferences.

Classic American Style Baked Beans with Beef

Baked beans with beef are reminiscent of traditional American cookouts, bringing the taste of the grill right to your kitchen.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cans of navy beans
• 1 cup ketchup
• ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup mustard
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, pepper to taste

How to Cook:

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Add onions and garlic, cooking until translucent.
3. Mix in ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and drained navy beans. Stir well to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

🔥 Note: The longer you bake, the more the flavors meld, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Spicy Mexican Baked Beans with Chorizo

For those who love a bit of heat and spice, adding chorizo can turn your baked beans into a fiesta in your mouth.

• 1 lb chorizo sausage, casings removed
• 2 cans of pinto beans
• 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 small onion, chopped
• Cilantro for garnish

How to Cook:

1. Brown the chorizo in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess oil.
2. Add chopped onion, cooking until soft.
3. Incorporate the drained pinto beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin. Mix well.
4. Bake in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Middle Eastern Inspired Baked Beans with Lamb

This variation adds a Middle Eastern flair with aromatic spices and ground lamb, creating a unique and flavorful dish.

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 2 cans of black-eyed peas
• 1 tablespoon baharat spice mix
• 1 large tomato, diced
• ¹⁄₂ cup parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses

How to Cook:

1. Cook the ground lamb in a skillet until browned. Drain any fat.
2. Add baharat spice, diced tomatoes, and drained black-eyed peas. Stir to combine.
3. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, adding pomegranate molasses halfway through.
4. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Italian Style Baked Beans with Sausage

An Italian twist on baked beans, where sausage brings a comforting and robust flavor to the dish.

• 1 lb Italian sausage, mild or spicy
• 2 cans cannellini beans
• ¹⁄₂ cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Cook:

1. Crumble sausage into a skillet, cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
2. Mix in the marinara sauce, drained cannellini beans, and oregano.
3. Transfer to a baking dish and top with Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

British Inspired Baked Beans with Pork

This version captures the essence of British comfort food with a hearty pork addition to the traditional baked beans.

• 1 lb ground pork
• 2 cans of haricot beans
• ¹⁄₂ cup tomato purée
• ¹⁄₄ cup treacle or molasses
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 onion, finely chopped

How to Cook:

1. Fry the ground pork until cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off the fat.
2. Stir in the onion, cooking until soft, then add tomato purée, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Mix in the drained haricot beans.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until the sauce has thickened and beans are tender.

Each of these methods to make baked beans with ground meat offers a unique culinary experience, allowing you to explore diverse flavors from around the world. Whether you're in the mood for something spicy, savory, or rich, these recipes can be tailored to your taste preferences or dietary needs. They are not only delicious but also nutritious, offering a good source of protein and fiber, making them ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Can I use different types of beans for these recipes?

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Yes, you can substitute with any beans you prefer or have on hand. Kidney beans, black beans, or even chickpeas can work well with these recipes.

How can I make these recipes vegetarian?

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Simply omit the meat or replace it with plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or a meat substitute.

Can I prepare these dishes in advance?

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Yes, these baked bean dishes can be prepared ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.