Description
Discover a comforting baked beans with ground beef brown sugar recipe—sweet, savory, and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80 % lean)
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water or low‑sodium beef broth
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (for browning the beef)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy‑bottomed pot over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it loses its pink color, about 5‑6 minutes. Drain excess fat if you prefer a leaner dish.
- Sauté aromatics: Toss the diced onion into the pot and sauté until translucent, 3‑4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine the sauce: Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture bubble for 2‑3 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Add beans and liquid: Add the rinsed navy beans and pour in the water or beef broth. Stir gently to coat the beans with the sauce.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and become glossy. If it looks too dry, add a splash more broth.
- Finish and serve: Remove the lid, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. For a caramelized top, place the pot under a broiler for 2‑3 minutes (optional). Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Notes
- Use low‑sodium broth: It gives you control over the salt level.
- Don’t rush the simmer: A slow simmer allows the brown sugar to caramelize and the beans to absorb the beefy flavor.
- Choose smoked paprika: It adds a subtle smokiness without needing actual smoke.
- For extra depth, add a splash of coffee: Only 1 Tbsp, and it enhances the richness without making the dish taste like coffee.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Beef recipes
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: baked beans with ground beef brown sugar