Texas Baked Beans: Heartier, Bolder, Better!

Photo byMiss Wulan

In Texas, where barbecue is a way of life and comfort food reigns supreme, baked beans take on a new level of heartiness with the addition of ground beef and bacon. This dish combines the smoky, savory flavors that Texans know and love, creating a side dish that could easily stand as a meal on its own. Whether you're gathering for a backyard barbecue or hosting a casual dinner, Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon is a must-have recipe for anyone who appreciates bold flavors and satisfying bites.

Texas Baked Beans: A Savory Delight Imagine sitting around a table, surrounded by family and friends, with a steaming bowl of baked beans that’s loaded with rich ground beef and crispy bacon. This isn’t just a side dish – it's a celebration of Texas flavors. The addition of ground beef adds heartiness to the baked beans, while the bacon delivers that unmistakable smoky richness. The mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce provides the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making each bite an explosion of flavor.

Recipe: Texas Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon
Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 1 pound ground beef (lean is preferable, but any can work if drained)
• 1 cup bacon, diced (either cooked or raw)
• 42 ounces canned baked beans (three 14-16 ounce cans with sauce)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:
Start by finely dicing your onion and bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the diced vegetables, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Next, add the ground beef and diced bacon to the skillet. Break up the beef with the back of a spoon, stirring occasionally until the beef is no longer pink. If you are using a fattier beef, drain any excess oil at this stage.

Now it’s time to combine everything. Stir in the baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Make sure everything is well mixed before turning the heat down to a simmer. Let the beans cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally as the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.

Serve this dish hot and watch as your guests pile their plates high, enjoying the rich, hearty goodness that is unmistakably Texan.

The Hearty Tradition of Texas Beans Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon is a perfect example of how Texas cuisine takes a beloved classic and makes it bigger, bolder, and better. With the added protein from the beef and the smoky flavor of the bacon, this dish is a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Whether it's served at a weekend barbecue, a family reunion, or even on a busy weeknight, this dish brings Texas comfort to every bite. It's hearty enough to be a meal but works perfectly as a side to grilled meats, hot dogs, or even cornbread.

For your Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon recipe, here's a detailed approach with some expert suggestions to bring Texas-style heartiness to the dish.

Recipe Overview:

This recipe offers a fantastic balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. The combination of lean ground beef and bacon makes this baked bean dish hearty enough to be a meal on its own, though it also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats at a BBQ. The sauce, made with ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, gives the beans a perfect blend of sweetness and tang, while the bacon adds a smoky richness.

Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat and Vegetables: Begin by sautéing your diced onion and green bell pepper in olive oil until soft. Then, brown the ground beef and bacon, breaking up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. This method is echoed by multiple sources that recommend ensuring the beef is fully browned and the bacon is crispy before draining excess fat​(Bake It With Love)​(Southern Living).
2. Prepare the Sauce: Stir in your canned baked beans along with ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and seasoning. Cooking the mixture together for around 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld well, with the sauce thickening up​(The Carefree Kitchen)​(The Stay At Home Chef).
3. Baking Tips: To make sure your beans are rich and thick, many sources recommend baking the dish in the oven at around 325°F for 45 minutes. This step ensures that the sauce deeply penetrates the beans and meat, creating a more concentrated flavor​(Amee's Savory Dish).
4. Serving and Storage: These baked beans can be served hot alongside other BBQ staples like coleslaw or cornbread. They also store well in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze easily for up to three months​(The Carefree Kitchen)​(The Stay At Home Chef).

This hearty recipe is perfect for gatherings or as a comforting weeknight meal, bringing the robust flavors of Texas right to your table.