Savory Baked Beans with Ground Beef

 

Here’s a rich, hearty, and super easy recipe for Savory Baked Beans with Ground Beef — perfect as a main dish, BBQ side, or even a quick weeknight meal.

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🍲 Savory Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Serves: 4–6
Ready in: 35–45 minutes

🧾 Ingredients

• 450 g (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 can (400–450 g) baked beans
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2–3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
• 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

   • Heat a pan with oil or butter.
   • Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
   • Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

   • Add the chopped onion and garlic.
   • Cook 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.

3. Add the Flavor Base

   • Mix in tomato paste, soy sauce, mustard, and brown sugar.
   • Cook 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

4. Add the Beans

   • Stir in the baked beans.
   • Reduce heat and let everything simmer for 10–15 minutes until thick and flavorful.

5. Optional Oven Finish

   • Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes for deeper flavor and caramelization.

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

• With rice, mashed potatoes, or Texas toast (you make that often!).
• As a hearty filling for baked potatoes.
• Alongside grilled chicken or sausages.
• Topped with shredded cheese, jalapeños, or green onions.

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🔥 Tip for Extra Richness

Add 1 tbsp harissa or a little ras el hanout for a Moroccan touch — gives it warmth and depth.

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If you want, I can give you a big batch version (10–20 servings) or a slow cooker version.