Gina Mae’s Baked Beans with Ground Beef & Bacon

The BBQ Side Dish That Steals the Main Course’s Spotlight?

What if the most unforgettable dish at your next barbecue wasn’t the ribs or the brisket, but a humble pot of baked beans? Here in Marrakesh, slow-cooked bean tagines, or loubia, are a beloved comfort food, rich with spices and flavor. It reminds me of my grandmother, Gina Mae, and her legendary baked beans. This isn’t just a can of beans warmed up; this is the ultimate baked beans with ground beef recipe, a hearty, savory, and sweet concoction that transforms a simple side into a showstopper. It challenges the notion that baked beans are just an afterthought, proving they can be the star of any potluck or cookout.

Ingredients List

This recipe for baked beans with ground beef is all about building deep, complex layers of flavor. We start with a savory base of beef and bacon, then elevate it with a tangy, sweet, and smoky sauce that gets baked to perfection. Each ingredient is a key player in creating this unforgettable side dish.

this now & bake later ❤️

Timing

This dish is remarkably easy to assemble, and most of the cooking time is completely hands-off while it bakes in the oven, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cook the Bacon

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the 3 chopped bacon slices over medium heat until they are brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

To the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the 1 pound of ground beef and the ¾ cup of chopped Vidalia onion. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the 3 finely chopped garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of cracked black pepper, and cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Flavorful Sauce

Now it’s time to build that incredible sauce. To the skillet with the beef mixture, stir in the 1 cup of barbecue sauce, ¼ cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.

Step 4: Combine, Bake, and Garnish

Gently stir in the 2 cans of undrained baked beans and half of the crispy bacon you set aside earlier. If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon over the top. Bake, uncovered, for 45 to 60 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and has thickened. Let the baked beans rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

This is a hearty, classic comfort food side dish, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

Approximate values per ½ cup serving:

• Calories: ~250-300 kcal
• Protein: ~12g
• Fat: ~10g
• Carbohydrates: ~28g
• Sugars: ~18g
• Fiber: ~5g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to make these delicious baked beans with ground beef a bit lighter? It’s easy to do with a few smart substitutions.

• Leaner Meats: Substitute the 85% lean ground beef with 93% lean ground turkey or chicken. You can also use turkey bacon to reduce the fat content.
• Reduce the Sugar: Use a sugar-free barbecue sauce and reduce the brown sugar by half, or substitute it with a natural alternative like maple syrup or a brown sugar substitute.
• Go Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and sauté the onion and garlic in a tablespoon of olive oil. Add a can of drained and rinsed pinto or kidney beans along with the baked beans for extra texture.
• Boost the Veggies: Finely chopped bell peppers or celery can be added along with the onion for extra nutrients and texture.

Serving Suggestions

These baked beans are the ultimate team player, pairing wonderfully with a variety of classic American dishes.

• The Ultimate BBQ Plate: Serve alongside grilled chicken, pulled pork, ribs, or brisket. It’s a must-have for any cookout.
• With Hot Dogs and Burgers: Spoon a generous portion next to your favorite grilled hot dogs or hamburgers.
• As a Topping: Use it as a hearty topping for baked potatoes or even nachos for a fun twist.
• A Comfort Food Meal: Pair it with a thick slice of warm, buttery cornbread for a simple and satisfying meal on its own.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Achieve perfect baked beans every time by avoiding these common missteps.

• Not Draining the Grease: After browning the ground beef, it’s important to drain off any excess fat. This prevents the final dish from being overly greasy.
• Using Drained Beans: The sauce in the canned baked beans is a key component of the recipe’s flavor base. Do not drain the beans before adding them to the skillet.
• Skipping the Vinegar: The apple cider vinegar is crucial for cutting through the richness and sweetness of the barbecue sauce and brown sugar. It provides a necessary tangy balance.
• Forgetting the Spices: The smoked paprika and cinnamon are not just for show; they add a deep, smoky warmth and complexity that truly sets this recipe apart from the rest.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

These baked beans store beautifully, and many people swear the flavor is even better the next day.

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the beans on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave.
• Freezer: You can freeze the baked beans for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make-Ahead: This is a perfect make-ahead dish. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.

The Only Baked Bean Recipe You’ll Ever Need

This recipe for Gina Mae’s baked beans with ground beef is more than just a side dish; it’s a hearty, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing main event in its own right. The combination of savory beef, crispy bacon, and a sweet and smoky sauce creates an unforgettable dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s the perfect addition to any potluck, holiday gathering, or summer barbecue.

We invite you to make this recipe for your next get-together and watch it disappear! Let us know what you think in the comments below, and be sure to subscribe for more tried-and-true family recipes.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, this recipe works wonderfully in a slow cooker. Follow steps 1 and 2 to cook the bacon and brown the beef and onions on the stovetop. Then, transfer that mixture and all the remaining ingredients to a slow cooker. Stir to combine, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No problem. Simply prepare the beef and sauce mixture in a regular skillet on the stovetop, and then transfer everything to a 9×13 inch or 2-quart baking dish before putting it in the oven.

Can I use different types of beans?

While the recipe calls for canned baked beans, you could start with plain canned navy or pinto beans. If you do, you may want to increase the amount of barbecue sauce and brown sugar to compensate for the lack of built-in sauce.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is savory and sweet, not spicy. If you’d like to add some heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Can I leave out the ground beef?

Yes, you can omit the ground beef for a more traditional baked bean side dish. The bacon will still provide a wonderful savory, smoky flavor.