Ranch style baked beans turn a can of baked beans into a savory, sweet side dish with browned ground beef, onions, and bell peppers.
The dish bakes in one casserole dish after a quick skillet step, so it needs little hands on time. It works as a side next to grilled meats or as a main dish with a square of cornbread.
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Why This Ranch Style Baked Beans Recipe Works
Browning the beef first adds a deep savory flavor that canned beans cannot give on their own. The seasoning goes into the skillet with the meat, so the spices bloom in the fat and spread evenly.
Brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce balance each other, with sweetness from one and tang from the other. Both blend into the bean sauce as it bakes and thickens.
Fresh onion and green bell pepper stay slightly firm after 30 minutes in the oven, so the casserole has texture instead of turning into mush.
Ingredients for Ranch Style Baked Beans
- 1 can (28 ounces) baked beans
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon onion and herb seasoning blend
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
Baked beans. A 28 ounce can makes a thick base. Choose a brand with a rich sauce, since it forms the glaze in the oven.
Ground beef. Beef at 80 percent lean adds flavor, and draining excess fat keeps the beans from turning greasy.
Worcestershire sauce. It adds a tangy, savory note that cuts through the sweetness of the beans.
Brown sugar. Brown sugar deepens the sauce and helps it caramelize at the edges.
Onion and bell pepper. They add sweetness and a little crunch, so the dish does not taste flat.
How to Make Ranch Style Baked Beans
1. Heat the skillet Set a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon.
2. Brown the beef Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the beef is browned and reaches 160 degrees F, then drain off most of the fat.
3. Season the beef Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, seasoning blend, and minced onion. Cook for 5 minutes, until the onion looks translucent.
4. Heat the oven Heat the oven to 375 degrees F.
5. Combine the beans In a large baking dish, mix the beef mixture with the baked beans, then stir in the chopped onion and green bell pepper.
6. Bake covered Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, until the beans bubble at the edges and the peppers soften.
7. Rest and serve Let the dish rest for 5 minutes so the sauce thickens, then stir and serve warm.
How to Serve Ranch Style Baked Beans
Serve the beans hot as a side with grilled meats, or spoon them over a split baked potato for a main dish. They go well with a wedge of green chile cornbread, a plate of juicy cheeseburgers, a bowl of creamy macaroni salad, and a platter of oven baked barbecue chicken.
How to Store and Reheat Ranch Style Baked Beans
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze portions in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a covered dish or on the stove to 165 degrees F, adding a splash of water if the sauce looks thick.
Tips and Variations for Ranch Style Baked Beans
Drain the fat. Spoon off the fat after browning so the sauce stays clean and glossy.
Chop evenly. Cut the onion and pepper to the same size so they soften at the same pace.
Use ground turkey. Swap in ground turkey or chicken and cook it to 165 degrees F for a lighter dish.
Bake uncovered at the end. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes if you prefer a thicker, stickier sauce.
Add heat. Stir in a spoonful of diced jalapeno or a dash of cayenne pepper hot sauce.
Add bacon. Fold in cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky note.
Make it ahead. Assemble the beans a day ahead, refrigerate, and add 10 minutes to the bake time.
Check temperature. Use a food thermometer to confirm the beef reaches 160 degrees F, and reheat leftovers to 165 degrees F. For general guidance, see the FDA safe food handling guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ranch Style Baked Beans
How do I thicken ranch style baked beans?
Bake the dish uncovered for the last 10 to 15 minutes, or simmer it on the stove for a few minutes. The sauce thickens as it cools.
Can I make ranch style baked beans in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, combine everything in the slow cooker, and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
Can I freeze ranch style baked beans?
Yes. Cool the dish, pack it into freezer safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I leave out the beef?
Yes. Skip the beef and cook the onion and pepper in a spoonful of oil before baking, though the flavor will be less savory.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs with cornbread, burgers, pulled pork, grilled chicken, or a simple green salad.
Ranch Style Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bell Peppers
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 2 quart baking dish
- Foil
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 28 oz baked beans one can
- ½ lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp onion and herb seasoning blend
- ¼ cup minced onion
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
Instructions
Cooking
- Brown the beef. Cook the beef in a skillet over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes until it reaches 160 degrees F, then drain the fat.
- Season. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, seasoning blend, and minced onion and cook for 5 minutes.
- Combine. Mix the beef with the beans, chopped onion, and bell pepper in a baking dish.
- Bake. Cover and bake at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes, until bubbly and the peppers are tender.
- Rest. Rest for 5 minutes, stir, and serve warm.
