Print

Easy Smoky BBQ Baked Beans with Beef

smoky bbq baked beans with beef - featured image
Print Recipe

A rich, hearty baked beans recipe with ground beef and smoky BBQ sauce, perfect for comforting weeknight or weekend dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425g each) canned baked beans (classic pork and beans variety recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) smoky BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an oven-safe baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to roast the tomato paste and deepen flavor.
  5. Add baked beans, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using). Mix well.
  6. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If beans seem too thick before baking, add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen. Adjust seasoning before baking for best flavor. Browning beef well adds depth. Roasting tomato paste enhances richness. Baking step deepens flavors and caramelizes edges. Can substitute ground turkey, smoked sausage, or make vegetarian with mushrooms or tempeh.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, BBQ beans, smoky baked beans, beef baked beans, easy dinner, hearty meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/easy-smoky-bbq-baked-beans-with-beef-recipe-for-hearty-dinners/