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These cookout beans with ground beef are hearty, saucy, and full of classic barbecue flavor. The combination of pork and beans with browned beef, ketchup, mustard, and a touch of brown sugar creates a savory-sweet balance that pairs perfectly with grilled meats. Baking the mixture allows the flavors to meld and thicken into a rich, satisfying dish.
It’s an ideal recipe for picnics, potlucks, and family cookouts. The ingredients are simple and dependable, and everything comes together in one skillet and one baking dish. Serve it alongside ribs, burgers, chicken, or pulled pork for an easy, crowd-pleasing side that stretches beautifully.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Classic barbecue flavor. Sweet, tangy, and smoky notes blend into a rich, comforting side.
Hearty and filling. Adding ground beef makes the dish more substantial.
Easy to prepare. Uses simple pantry staples and minimal prep.
Perfect for gatherings. Great alongside grilled meats or potluck favorites.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef – Lean beef works best so the dish isn’t greasy.
- Onion & bell pepper – Add flavor, sweetness, and color.
- Ketchup – Provides sweetness and a tomato base.
- Brown sugar – Balances the acidity and enhances the sauce.
- Dry mustard – Adds a little tang to cut through the richness.
- Vinegar – Brightens the flavor and gives the beans a slight tang.
- Chili powder – Adds mild warmth and depth.
- Pork and beans – The base of the dish; use a 28-ounce can for best texture.
Steps to Make Cookout Beans With Ground Beef
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the onions and bell pepper until softened.
- Stir the beef back into the skillet.
- Mix the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and chili powder.
- Add the sauce mixture and pork and beans to the skillet.
- Transfer to the baking dish.
- Bake until hot and bubbly.
Tips
- Drain any excess fat from the cooked beef to keep the beans from becoming oily.
- Use a red or green bell pepper—or a mix—for added color.
- Taste the sauce before baking and adjust the sweetness or tang to your liking.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra barbecue depth.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy version. Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Smoky flavor. Add smoked paprika or a spoonful of barbecue sauce.
- Bacon version. Stir in a handful of cooked, crumbled bacon before baking.
- Vegetable boost. Add chopped carrots or celery for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with burgers, grilled chicken, or ribs.
- Pair with cornbread or garlic bread for a hearty meal.
- Add it to a cookout spread with coleslaw, potato salad, and grilled vegetables.
- Scoop leftovers over baked potatoes for an easy lunch.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits.
Freeze: Suitable for freezing. Pack in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. The sauce and beans hold their texture well.
Reheat: Warm gently in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens during storage.
Cookout Beans With Ground Beef
Ingredients
- Cooking spray, for the baking dish
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- ½ cup chopped bell pepper
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 (28-ounce) can baked beans
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.Cooking spray
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook in an even layer for about 4 minutes, or until browned on the bottom. Break the beef up and add the onions. Continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, until the onion is softened and the beef is no longer pink. Add the bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes longer. Drain off excess grease.1 tbsp vegetable oil | 1 pound lean ground beef | 1 large onion | 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- In a bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and chili powder. Stir the sauce mixture into the beef mixture and add the beans. Stir gently to blend ingredients.1/2 cup ketchup | 2 tbsp brown sugar | 1 tsp dry mustard | 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar | 1 tsp chili powder | 1 (28-ounce) can baked beans
- Transfer the beef and beans to the prepared baking dish and bake for about 35 to 45 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
