Baked Beans with Hamburger and Bacon Recipe
Summer grill season is in full swing and this Baked Beans with Hamburger and Bacon recipe is the perfect hearty side dish to accompany whatever you are grilling up. With a little sweet brown sugar, salty bacon and tangy barbecue sauce, this easy baked beans recipe will please everyone. Or skip the grill altogether and serve them as their own meal with a slice of crusty bread and butter.
What Are Baked Beans?
Baked beans (sometimes called Cowboy Beans), are typically a bean mixture of navy beans and pinto beans. These beans are small, white beans that hold up well during long cooking times. The beans are simmered in a seasoned sauce that often includes a tangy base like tomato sauce or mustard, and a sweet element like brown sugar.
Southern baked beans often contain a pork product like bacon to add a rich, meaty flavor.
Boston baked beans, are made with pork and use molasses as the sweet element.
You may also have heard of British style baked beans, which are prepared in a tomato sauce and served on toast.
I like to serve good old, mid-western style baked beans simmered with the ingredients listed below, and then baked in a casserole dish to allow for the flavors to meld together and the beans to absorb the sauce.
This dish is an absolute staple at our summer cookouts. It’s an easy recipe, made with simple ingredients, but the flavors are so much richer than canned baked beans. My mom has been making it our family gatherings for years, and guests always ask for this recipe before they leave!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Baked Beans with Hamburger and Bacon Recipe
- Lean Ground Beef
- Crispy Bacon
- Bush’s Baked Beans (I recommend this Original flavor)
- White Navy Beans (like these)
- Au Jus seasoning packet (like this)
- BBQ Sauce
- Brown Sugar
Instructions
Preheat over to 350 degrees.
In a large fry pan, fry 10 strips of bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove bacon from the pan and lay on a paper towel to allow extra fat and grease to drain off. Once cool, crumble into small pieces and set aside.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease. Sprinkle the packet of au jus seasoning over the meat.
Stir in 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 1 cup of brown sugar and the chopped bacon.
Add two cans of the Bush’s Baked Beans (undrained).
Open the can of white navy beans and drain. Add them to the pot. Stir everything until completely coated in the BBQ sauce and well combined.
Transfer the bean mixture to a baking dish that can hold at least 2 quarts. I use a 3 quart casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes, or until the beans are bubbling and the top is slightly caramelized.
Scoop onto plates and serve warm.
Tips the Perfect Baked Beans
- Slow Cooker Variation: Not going to be around most of the day? You can use a slow cooker or crock pot to make your favorite beans for you. Simply combine all ingredients in the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or high for 2-3 hours.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the bean mixture a day ahead, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Then simply pop into oven and bake it just before serving. Tip: you will need to add additional cook time to account for the beans being cool from refrigerator.
- Leftovers: Store any remaining beans in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
This hearty baked beans recipe is more than just a side dish; it stands alone as a main dish too. I usually make the beans as a side dish on night one, and then we have the leftovers as our main meal the next night. I pair it with a side salad like this one and sliced French bread with butter.
FAQ’s
What can I serve with baked beans?
Baked beans are great with grilled meats like chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, steak and sausages. They are also great along side sandwiches like French Dip or Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches.
Can you freeze baked beans?
Yes, baked beans freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I add other ingredients to my baked beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like green peppers, yellow onion, carrots, or celery. Try swapping the ground beef for spicy sausage, or adding spicy brown mustard if you like more heat. Adjust the tanginess by adding apple cider vinegar or yellow mustard.
Bonus Recipes
Looking for more fun side dishes to serve at your Summer BBQ? Try these…
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Baked Beans with Hamburger and Bacon Recipe
Equipment
- 1 fry pan
- 1 large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 2-3 quart casserole dish
- 1 large spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 10 slices bacon
- 2 21 oz cans Bush's Original Baked Beans I recommend this Original flavor
- 1 15.5 oz can White Navy Beans
- 1 packet Au Jus gravy mix like this
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat over to 350 degrees.
- In a large fry pan, fry 10 strips of bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove bacon from the pan and lay on a paper towel to allow extra fat and grease to drain off. Once cool, crumble into small pieces and set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease. Sprinkle the packet of au jus seasoning over the meat.
- Stir in 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 1 cup of brown sugar and the chopped bacon.
- Add two cans of the Bush’s Baked Beans (undrained).
- Open the can of white navy beans and drain. Add them to the pot. Stir everything until completely coated in the BBQ sauce and well combined.
- Transfer the bean mixture to a baking dish that can hold at least 2 quarts. I use a 3 quart casserole dish just to be sure it won't bubble over. Bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes, or until the beans are bubbling and the top is slightly caramelized.
- Scoop onto plates and serve warm.
