Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Discover how to make the ultimate Southern baked beans with ground beef: sweet, smoky, hearty, and perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and family dinners.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 85-90% lean
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil optional, if needed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 cans 15 ounces each navy beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup broth or water as needed
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add the diced onion and cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the brown sugar, molasses, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, tomato sauce, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well to combine.
- Add the rinsed navy beans and stir gently to coat. Pour in broth or water to loosen the mixture slightly if needed.
- Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors develop.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot as a hearty side dish for barbecue, grilled meats, or your favorite cookout meals.
Notes
For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke or more smoked paprika. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.