Make easy stovetop baked beans with ground beef in under an hour. This smoky-sweet BBQ side uses canned baked beans and simple pantry staples for a hearty, comforting dish.
Made with canned baked beans, browned ground beef, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and a few seasonings, this simple Southern-style baked beans recipe comes together quickly and simmers into a thick, savory side everyone will want seconds of.
Perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, weeknight dinners, or anytime hot dogs and burgers are on the menu. I always make these for Memorial Day. Serve them alongside BBQ chicken drumsticks, mac and cheese, egg salad, or cheesy potatoes for a crowd-pleasing spread.
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Shortcut Notes
- Easy recipe: Uses canned baked beans and cooks on the stovetop.
- One-pot side dish: Prepare it in a large skillet or Dutch oven for minimal cleanup.
- Pantry-friendly ingredients: Most items are common staples you likely have on hand.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef is ideal to reduce excess grease.
- Yellow onion: Finely diced for sweet, savory flavor.
- Baked beans: Canned baked beans (the recipe uses Bush’s Original).
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tangy and savory elements.
- Ketchup: Contributes tomato flavor and extra sweetness.
- BBQ sauce: Brings smoky depth—choose one you enjoy.
- Yellow mustard: Adds a touch of tang.
- Worcestershire sauce: Provides savory, umami richness.
- Seasonings: Smoked paprika and garlic powder for warm, rounded flavor.
See the recipe for exact quantities and servings.
Instructions
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, then drain any excess grease.
Add the baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, BBQ sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and glossy. Remove from heat and let it rest a few minutes before serving—the sauce will thicken a bit more as it cools.
Tip: If the beans become too thick, add a splash of water and stir to loosen the sauce.
Substitutions
- Ground beef: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
- Yellow onion: White or sweet onion work fine.
- Brown sugar: Use light or dark brown sugar, or omit if you prefer less sweetness.
- Ketchup: Swap for 1–2 tablespoons of tomato paste if needed.
- Yellow mustard: Dijon or spicy brown mustard add a sharper flavor.
Behind the Recipe
This version converted a picky eater—my son didn’t like baked beans until I started testing this recipe. Now he asks for them regularly.
My best tip is to let the beans simmer long enough so the sauce reduces and flavors meld. Also, use a BBQ sauce you enjoy, since it plays a big role in the finished flavor.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a rating and review to share your experience—it helps others and I appreciate the feedback.
FAQ
Yes. These reheat well and are great for meal prep, potlucks, or cookouts.
Yes. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour until bubbly and thickened.
Yes. Brown the ground beef and onion first, then add everything to a crock pot and cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours.
📖 Recipe
Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Equipment
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Large skillet or Dutch oven
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Cutting board and chef’s knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 3 (16 ounce) cans Bush’s Original Baked Beans
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
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1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Drain any excess grease.
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2. Stir in the baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, BBQ sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until well combined.
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3. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy. Remove from heat and let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Oven Method: Transfer to a casserole dish and bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, until bubbly and thickened.
Slow Cooker: Brown beef and onion, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on Low for 3–4 hours.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of serving (or within 1 hour if ambient temperature is above 90°F).
- Use a clean spoon when serving to avoid cross-contamination.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Follow USDA guidelines for safe food handling and proper temperatures.
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