Savory Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (15 ounces) baked beans (your choice of brand, original or flavored)
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped, any color)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for heat, adjust to taste)
• Optional: 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. Cook the Beef and Vegetables:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until they are softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.

1. Mix the Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and vegetables with the baked beans, kidney beans, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you like it spicy, add cayenne pepper here.

1. Bake the Beans:

• Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
• If using, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.

1. Cooking:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until heated through and bubbly. If you like a slightly crispy top, you can broil it for the last few minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

1. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or on its own as a hearty meal.

Tips:

• You can customize this recipe by adding other beans or vegetables, such as corn or jalapeños.
• For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or additional vegetables and mushrooms.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Enjoy your Savory Baked Beans with Ground Beef!