Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering? Look no further! This baked beans recipe with ground beef and bacon is a delicious and satisfying dish that's surprisingly easy to make. It's a classic comfort food, elevated with smoky bacon and savory ground beef, transforming a simple side dish into a hearty main course. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy, homemade cooking masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef and Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the bacon grease in the pot. Add the ground beef to the pot 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 Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Stir in the brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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Simmer and Bake: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld. For an even richer flavor, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with the reserved crispy bacon, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious baked beans hot. They're fantastic as a side dish or a hearty main course.
Cooking Tips for the Best Baked Beans:
- Don't rush the simmering process: The longer the beans simmer, the more flavorful they become.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer less sweet beans, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make it spicy: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Baked Beans: Omit the ground beef and bacon for a delicious vegetarian version. Add some extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for heartiness.
- Spicy Baked Beans: Add a chopped jalapeño or some chili flakes for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes, healthy meals, or quick dinner ideas. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying homemade dish! It's one of the best recipes for a comforting meal. It's also great for meal prepping – make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!