Easy Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Southern Baked Beans have a special place in my heart and on my dinner table. These beans are my go-to side dish for summer BBQs and holiday gatherings. With their delightful balance of sweetness and spice, there’s no wonder that my family keeps requesting them time and time again.

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I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and it never fails to impress.

From casual backyard barbecues to festive holiday dinners, these beans always hit the spot.

If you love other hearty side dishes like creamy KFC-inspired make-ahead coleslaw or potato salad, you’ll definitely want to keep this Southern Baked Beans recipe handy for your next event!

Why I Love This Recipe

One of the things I adore about Southern Baked Beans is how simple yet flavorful they are.

The combination of ground beef, onions, and beans creates a rich, hearty base.

Then, the addition of ketchup, sugar, and a hint of Tabasco sauce makes these beans irresistibly sweet and spicy.

This recipe is all about comfort food at its finest and it brings back memories of family gatherings and good times.

Ingredients & Substitutions

The ingredients in this dish come together to create that perfect Southern flavor.

Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is important:

• Ground beef: Adds a hearty, meaty texture and flavor. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base. Feel free to use shallots or onion powder if you prefer.
• Pork & Beans: The main component, adding that classic baked bean taste. If you’re in a pinch, use navy beans or canned baked beans.
• Ketchup: Offers a tangy sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of extra sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances all other flavors.
• Pepper: Adds a bit of necessary spice.
• Tabasco sauce: Gives the dish a subtle kick. Any hot sauce works if you don’t have Tabasco on hand.

How to Make Southern Baked Beans

Making Southern Baked Beans is super straightforward and worth every step.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
3. Combine all the ingredients in the greased baking dish and stir well.
4. Cover and cook for 30 minutes.
5. Remove the cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the top to crisp slightly.

Key to Success #1 – Start with Browned Ground Beef

It’s time to take your summer BBQ game to the next level with the best baked beans, and I’ll tell you the secret ingredient: browned ground beef. 

Not only does it add a nice depth of flavor, but it also makes the texture even better.

If you want to speed up this recipe and make it a 30-minute dish, add the diced onions to the meat while it’s cooking. 

This way, you’ll not only save time in the oven, but you’ll also ensure the onions are fully softened, creating the perfect consistency.

To get the beef perfectly browned, start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. 

Then, add the ground beef to the pan and, using a wooden spoon or spatula, break it up into smaller pieces. 

Ensure that you stir the meat frequently as it cooks to achieve the ideal level of browning all around.

Once the beef is ready, remove it from the skillet and drain any excess fat. Y

You can do this simply by using a couple of paper towels to soak up any remaining grease, which not only reduces the greasiness but also makes it healthier.

Adding well-browned ground beef to your Southern Baked Beans gives you the perfect mix of tasty flavors and textures. 

Key to Success #2 – Finely Dice the Onions

This delectable dish is infused with the hearty flavor of ground beef, onions, and a delightful hint of spice.

Personally, I prefer my baked beans with finely diced onions to ensure a consistent texture throughout.

However, if you prefer a bit more onion punch, feel free to chop larger bits to your liking.

Both white and yellow onion varieties work great in these easy baked beans.

I typically use white onion due to its ease of accessibility. 

When it comes to dicing these aromatic vegetables, the best tool for the job is a Santoku knife. 

This particular knife boasts a thin blade and incredible sharpness, definitely a must-have in your kitchen collection.

Maintaining the sharpness of your knives is crucial for extended usage. 

It’s highly recommended to hand wash knives rather than using the dishwasher to prevent the blade from dulling and damage to the handle. 

My set of knives has served me well for countless years, and I attribute it to good care practices.

Interestingly enough, onions are remarkably straightforward to dice. 

With their naturally divided rings, achieving consistently even onion bits is quite easy. Simply cut perpendicularly along the rings to save time and effort. 

With these simple steps, you’ll have perfectly diced onions that will elevate the flavor of your baked beans to new heights, delivering a rich and robust taste that is both comforting and memorable.

Key to Success #3 – A Can Of Pork ‘N Beans Makes It Easy

One of the key secrets to success in creating this indulgent dish is to make it easy and convenient without sacrificing flavor.

And that’s where the magic of a can of Pork ‘N Beans comes in. 

Using a can of Pork ‘N Beans as a shortcut is a game-changer that will save you time and effort in the kitchen.

No need to soak and cook navy beans or pinto beans from scratch—simply open the can of beans, and you’re ready to go.

The canned beans are already seasoned with dark brown sugar, vinegar, and spices and packed with a savory tomato sauce that adds depth to the dish.

My favorite brand of Pork ‘N Beans to use in this great recipe is Van Camp’s but you can use a different brand of pork & beans if you prefer.

If you like to eat the pork & beans on their own, then you’ll love them in this ground beef recipe.

Do you remember eating Pork ‘n Beans with cut-up hot dogs in it when you were a kid? 

Serving Suggestions

Southern Baked Beans make a fantastic side for grilled meats like burgers, hot dogs, or ribs.

They also pair beautifully with cornbread or a fresh green salad.

If you’re hosting a party, put these beans in a slow cooker on low to keep them warm throughout the event.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Beans: Omit the ground beef and add more beans or some diced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
• Maple Baked Beans: Swap out the granulated sugar for maple syrup to add a rich, sweet flavor.
• Spicy Beans: Add some chili powder and extra hot sauce to kick up the heat.

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