“Hearty Beef Baked Beans”

It’s been a busy week around my house with two crazy work schedules and planning meals. I truly spend my days off running errands like grocery shopping. Are you are shocked by grocery prices as I am? With demand up for food and household supplies, I understand the increase but seriously does it need to be so drastic? Now with that said, even though restaurants have opened up for limited dine-in seating I’m still cooking at home most often. So, today I’m sharing with you a totally different baked bean recipe. These Hearty Beef Baked Beans are to die for. You’ve got to give this recipe a try.

Hearty Beef Baked Beans

When I was growing up, I would go to my friends houses and quite often eat dinner at thier home. One day after band practice I went to my friend Naomi’s house and her Mom fixed baked beans similar to this recipe. Mom never prepared them this way yet this recipe was on my mind recently. Now sure why, just being nostalgic I guess. So I got to work with a little internet help. You’ll find these baked beans can stand on their own. I love baked beans that are thick, a little spicy, savory with a hint of sweetness.

Hearty Beef Baked Beans

So to begin this recipe, start with a large pot because this recipe makes 10 to 12 servings. You’ll brown  ground beef first and only until it’s half pink and not cooked all the way through. Next add in onion and green pepper and cook until vegetables are soft. You can use any color bell pepper you like if you’re not keen on green. Next add in pork and beans with liquid, barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cayenne. You may omit cayenne but the mount I have added in just lends a hint of spiciness. I recommend using some so add in small amounts to your taste. Spoon beans into a 13×9-inch baking dish then top with chopped bacon. Bake, covered with foil for 40 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake for another 15 minutes until bubbly, thick and browned. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving and there you have it, some darn good eating.

Hearty Beef Baked Beans

These baked beans are delicious and you’ll want to serve them with hot dogs, bratwurst, burgers, pulled pork or chicken, ribs, salmon, and shrimp. The flavors in these beans are so inviting and addicting even the kids and any guests you’re serving will be totally amazed. Trust me, when I made them for the first time I wondered what took me so long to make the recipe. Like I said earlier, you can just eat them as they are. Enjoy them as would chili on a chili dog loaded with cheese. Absolutely scrumptious! Grab your ingredients and serve up a twist on baked beans this weekend.

Hearty Beef Baked Beans

Hearty Beef Baked Beans

1-pound ground beef (85/15)

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped

Fine sea salt and ground black pepper to taste

2 – 15 to 16 oz. cans pork and beans with liquid

1/2 cup barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s Sweet & Tangy)

1/2 cup ketchup

2 T. spicy brown mustard

2 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 T. Tamari soy sauce

4 T. light brown sugar

1/4 t. cayenne pepper or more to taste

6 slices cooked applewood smoked bacon, chopped

Heat oven to 350 degrees and coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large saucepan, brown ground beef over medium-high heat until half browned. Stir in onion and green pepper. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and cook until beef is browned and onions and green pepper is soft. Drain off any excess fat if necessary. Cooking time will be about 10 to 15 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium then add in pork and beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar and cayenne. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Spoon beans to baking dish and sprinkle with chopped bacon. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 more minutes.

Allow baked beans to rest 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 10 to 12 servings.