Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon Recipe

My Favorite Potluck Dish

I love making this for big family gatherings. It always disappears fast. The secret is the mix of beef, bacon, and beans. It makes everyone feel happy and full.

I once brought it to a church supper. A little boy asked for a third helping. I still laugh at that. It truly is a crowd-pleaser.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish matters because it brings people together. Good food creates happy memories. It is also very forgiving. You really cannot mess it up.

Everything cooks in one pan. That means less washing up. I love recipes like that. What is your favorite one-pan meal to make?

A Little Kitchen Magic

The smells in your kitchen will be amazing. The smoky paprika and sweet molasses mix so well. It smells like a warm summer day.

*Fun fact*: Molasses is made from sugar cane. It gives the beans a deep, rich sweetness. Isn’t that interesting?

Let’s Get Cooking

First, brown your ground beef in a big skillet. I use the same one my grandma gave me. Then cook the onions and peppers until they are soft.

Now, just add everything else. Stir it all together. The best part is laying the bacon on top. Make sure the pieces do not overlap.

The Final Touch

After an hour in the oven, it is done. The bacon will be crispy. The beans will be bubbling. Let it cool for a few minutes.

I always add the green onions on top. They give it a fresh, colorful pop. Do you have a favorite garnish you like to use?

Sharing is Caring

This recipe feeds a lot of people. That is why it matters. It is perfect for sharing with neighbors or friends.

It reminds us to take care of each other. A simple dish can show you care. What was the last meal a friend shared with you?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Ground beef	1 pound	85%-15% blend
Yellow onion	¾ cup	Diced
Green bell pepper	¾ cup	Diced
Baked beans	56 ounces	Two 28-ounce cans (Bush’s Original brand)
Barbecue sauce	½ cup	Sweet Baby Ray’s Original brand
Ketchup	½ cup
Yellow mustard	¼ cup
Brown sugar	¼ cup
Molasses	2 tablespoons
Worcestershire sauce	1 tablespoon
Chili powder	½ teaspoon
Smoked paprika	½ teaspoon
Salt	½ teaspoon
Black pepper	¼ teaspoon
Bacon	¼ pound	4 slices, cut into 1-inch pieces
Green onions	¼ cup	Chopped, for garnish (optional)

My Hearty Baked Beans Story

Let me tell you about my baked beans. This dish is pure comfort. I’ve made it for family reunions for years. My grandson always asks for a second helping. It’s a simple, one-skillet wonder. You just layer everything together. The smell fills your whole house. It reminds me of summer picnics. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grab a big, oven-safe skillet. Brown your ground beef in it. I like to use an 85% lean blend. It has just enough flavor. Drain the extra grease away. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t skip draining the grease. It makes the final dish too oily!). Set the beef aside on a plate. Now, use that same skillet. Toss in your diced onion and green pepper. Saute them until they get soft. This only takes a few minutes. I love the sizzle they make. It smells so good. My neighbor gave me that pepper from her garden. Turn the heat off under the skillet. Here comes the fun part. Add the beef back in. Now, pour in both cans of beans. Add the barbecue sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Don’t forget the brown sugar and molasses. They add a sweet, deep flavor. Sprinkle in all those lovely spices. Give it one big, hearty stir. Doesn’t that look wonderful already? Now, top it with the bacon pieces. Lay them out nice and even. Don’t let them overlap. This helps them get all crispy in the oven. I still laugh at that time I used thick-cut bacon. It took forever to cook! Pop the whole skillet into the oven. Let it bake for one whole hour. When it’s done, the top will be crispy. The beans will be bubbly and hot. Take it out very carefully. The handle will be extremely hot! Let it sit for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle on some chopped green onions. They add a fresh, colorful pop. What’s your favorite potluck dish to bring? Share below! Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes Yield: 8 servings Category: Dinner, Side Dish

Three Tasty Twists to Try

You can easily make this recipe your own. I love trying little changes. It keeps things interesting in the kitchen. Here are a few ideas for you to play with. Make it Meatless… Skip the beef and bacon. Use a plant-based ground instead. Add a splash of liquid smoke for that flavor. Turn Up the Heat… Add a diced jalapeno with the onions. Use a spicy barbecue sauce. It will give you a nice, warm kick. Sweet and Savory… Stir in a chopped apple with the peppers. Use a maple-flavored bacon on top. It’s perfect for autumn evenings. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

How to Serve Your Masterpiece

This dish is so versatile. We often eat it right from the skillet. It’s a meal all by itself. For a bigger dinner, try it with a simple side. Buttered cornbread is my absolute favorite. A crisp green salad works beautifully too. For drinks, I have two suggestions. A cold glass of sweet iced tea is classic. It cuts through the richness. For a grown-up treat, a cold lager beer is just right. It pairs so well with the smoky bacon. Which would you choose tonight?

Storing Your Baked Beans for Later

Let’s talk about keeping these beans for another day. They store beautifully. Let the beans cool completely first. Then pop them in an airtight container. They will keep in your fridge for about four days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. I love making a double batch for this very reason. It means a future meal is already done. I once sent some to my grandson in a glass jar. He said it was like getting a taste of home. Having a ready-made meal matters on busy days. It brings everyone together with no fuss. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Fixing Common Baked Bean Troubles

Sometimes our cooking needs a little help. Here are some easy fixes. If your beans are too watery, just cook them longer uncovered. This lets the extra liquid cook off. If the flavor seems a bit flat, add a pinch more salt. A small splash of vinegar can also brighten it right up. I remember when I first made these. I was so worried about the bacon not getting crispy. Lay the bacon pieces flat on top. Do not let them overlap. This matters because each piece gets hot air all around it. Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. It makes the whole meal taste better. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Baked Bean Questions Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Check your labels. Some sauces may contain gluten. Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely! Assemble it the day before. Just add the bacon right before baking. Q: What can I use instead of molasses? A: You can use a little extra brown sugar. The flavor will be slightly different but still good. Q: Can I double this for a crowd? A: Yes, just use a bigger pot. You might need to bake it a little longer. Q: Is the green onion garnish needed? A: No, but it adds a nice fresh pop of color and flavor. Which tip will you try first?

Sharing the Comfort of a Good Meal

I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your home. It has been in mine for many years. Nothing makes me happier than sharing good food. I would love to see your creations. Show me your family dinners or potluck plates. *Fun fact: My grandkids call these “power beans” because they eat so many!* Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.