Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's both easy to make and satisfying? Look no further! This baked beans with hamburger recipe is a classic for a reason – it's packed with deliciousness, perfect for a weeknight dinner, or a weekend gathering. This easy recipe blends the heartiness of ground beef with the sweetness and tang of baked beans, creating a dish the whole family will love. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its best! This recipe offers a quick dinner idea that's also a healthy meal option.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can of baked beans
- 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, combine the cooked beef and vegetables with the baked beans, tomato sauce, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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Bake: Cover the pot and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-45 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. For a richer flavor, uncover the pot during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Serve: Serve hot. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad.
Tips for the Best Baked Beans with Hamburger:
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of spice, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangier taste.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots or celery.
- Spice it up: Add a diced jalapeño for a kick!
- Thicker beans: If you prefer thicker beans, you can simmer the mixture uncovered for a longer period to reduce the sauce.
- Slow cooker option: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Variations:
- BBQ Baked Beans: Substitute your favorite BBQ sauce for the tomato sauce and molasses.
- Spicy Baked Beans: Add a chopped chili pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Baked Beans: Omit the ground beef and add 1 cup of cooked lentils or kidney beans for a vegetarian version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40g
This baked beans with hamburger recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and easy recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. It's a wholesome, healthy meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!