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comforting bbq baked beans

BBQ Baked Beans with Ground Beef

These hearty BBQ baked beans combine sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors in a thick, luscious sauce. With ground beef for substance and a perfect blend of seasonings, this dish works beautifully as both a satisfying side or a main course for any gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 325
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce Sonny's Sweet BBQ Sauce recommended, or your favorite brand
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 pound ground beef cooked
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons onions diced
  • 4 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans with liquid
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper fresh coarse ground
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water

Equipment

  • Casserole dish
  • Small bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pour the pinto beans with their liquid into a large casserole dish.
  3. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water, stirring until completely smooth. Add this mixture to the beans and stir to incorporate.
  4. Add ketchup, barbecue sauce, white vinegar, and brown sugar to the beans, stirring to combine.
  5. Sprinkle in the diced onions, mustard, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Fold in the cooked ground beef until evenly distributed throughout the bean mixture.
  7. Cover the casserole dish and bake in the preheated oven for 90 minutes, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning around the edges.
  8. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency.

Notes

These beans taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for that savory depth. You can also substitute navy or great northern beans for the pinto beans if preferred.
These beans freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.