Pour canned baked beans over raw ground beef, add just a few simple ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the work. This hearty, budget-friendly meal is sweet, savory, comforting, and incredibly easy to prepare. It is the kind of cozy supper that always gets a yes at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds (680g) ground beef
- 2 cans (28 oz each) baked beans
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Add the Ground Beef
Place the raw ground beef directly into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Break it apart slightly with a wooden spoon or spatula.
2. Add the Remaining Ingredients
Pour the baked beans over the ground beef.
Add the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper.
Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the ground beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
During cooking, stir once or twice if convenient, breaking up any larger pieces of beef.
4. Finish and Serve
Once fully cooked, give the mixture a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve hot with cornbread, dinner rolls, baked potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Baked Beans
- Use ground beef with enough fat to keep the dish flavorful, but drain excess grease if necessary before serving.
- For a smokier flavor, add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Add cooked bacon or chopped ham for an extra hearty version.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- A few dashes of hot sauce can add a delicious kick.
- For food safety, don’t rely only on cooking time—check that the ground beef reaches 160°F (71°C).
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them gently in a saucepan until steaming hot.
Serving Ideas
This hearty dish pairs especially well with:
- Cornbread
- Garlic bread
- Mashed potatoes
- Baked potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Steamed green beans
- A crisp green salad
It also makes an excellent potluck or family gathering dish because it stays warm and comforting in the slow cooker.