Hearty and Delicious: Baked Beans with Ground Beef Recipe

This recipe elevates classic baked beans to a whole new level of flavor and heartiness by adding savory ground beef. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a satisfying potluck contribution, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to cooking tips, ensuring your baked beans are the best you've ever tasted.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe serves 6-8 people. Adjust quantities as needed for larger or smaller batches.

• 1 lb Ground Beef: Choose a lean ground beef for a healthier option, but a higher fat content will add richness.
• 1 large Onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works perfectly.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
• 1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes: Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky depth of flavor.
• 1 (15 ounce) can Tomato Sauce: Adds extra richness and body to the sauce.
• 1 (15 ounce) can Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained: Cannellini beans or a mix of beans can also be used.
• 1 (15 ounce) can Baked Beans: Use your favorite brand; this adds a boost of that classic baked bean flavor.
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar: Balances the savory flavors with sweetness.
• 1/4 cup Molasses: Adds depth and complexity to the sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a savory umami flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Mustard: Yellow mustard or Dijon mustard will both work well.
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is always best.
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt: Adjust to your taste.

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, baked beans, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
5. Serve: Serve hot with crusty bread, cornbread, or your favorite side dish.

Tips and Variations for the Ultimate Baked Beans:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Add Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon into the beans for extra smoky flavor and texture.
• Use different beans: Experiment with other types of beans like pinto beans or black beans.
• Make it a slow cooker recipe: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

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