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Savory Cowboy Baked Beans Recipe with Ground Beef and Crispy Bacon

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A hearty and comforting baked beans dish featuring ground beef and crispy bacon, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe combines smoky, savory, and sweet flavors for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans, undrained
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Salt to taste
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Sauté the chopped onion in the bacon fat over medium heat for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to coat the meat and onions evenly.
  6. Add the undrained baked beans and gently fold everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning; add cayenne pepper if desired.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  8. Crumble the crispy bacon over the top, reserving a few pieces for garnish if desired.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the sauce bubbles gently and the top develops a slight crust.
  10. Let the beans rest for 5 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce and settle flavors.

Notes

Use the bacon fat for sautéing onions and garlic to add smoky richness. Crumble bacon on top just before baking to keep it crispy. If sauce is too thick after baking, stir in a splash of hot water or broth. Use good-quality baked beans with thick sauce for best results. Letting ground beef brown undisturbed adds flavor depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, cowboy beans, ground beef, bacon, comfort food, easy dinner, smoky, savory, quick recipe

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/savory-cowboy-baked-beans-recipe-with-ground-beef-and-crispy-bacon-easy-and-perfect/