Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering? Look no further! This baked beans recipe with ground beef is a delicious twist on a classic, offering a hearty and satisfying experience without sacrificing ease or nutrition. It's one of those easy recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but is actually ready in under an hour. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can baked beans, undrained (choose your favorite kind!)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven 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 aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine the ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, baked beans (undrained), brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and smoked paprika. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
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Bake to perfection: Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop. Then, transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Cover and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the flavors have melded beautifully and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir halfway through for even cooking.
Tips for the Best Baked Beans:
- For a smokier flavor: Use smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Add some veggies: Chopped bell peppers, carrots, or celery would make a wonderful addition.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this delicious dish with crusty bread or cornbread for soaking up all that flavorful sauce.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Baked Beans: Simply omit the ground beef and add a cup of cooked lentils or kidney beans for extra protein and heartiness.
- Spicy Baked Beans: Add a chopped jalapeño or some chili flakes for an extra spicy kick.
- BBQ Baked Beans: Stir in 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This baked beans recipe with ground beef is a fantastic example of healthy meals that are both delicious and easy to prepare. It’s a perfect quick dinner idea for busy weeknights, and it’s adaptable enough to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy this best recipe and make it your own!