There is honestly nothing like walking through the front door after a long day and being hit with the smell of something that has been simmering for hours. It makes the whole house feel cozy and warm. Today I am sharing my secret for the ultimate comfort food. This recipe uses hearty ground beef to create a rich and savory base that really fills everyone up. It is the kind of meal that makes the whole family gather around the table with big smiles.

Why You Will Love This Crockpot Baked Beans with Ground Beef

You are going to love this because it is the ultimate set it and forget it meal. You just do a little bit of prep and then the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. By letting it cook slowly you get these deep smoky flavors that you just cannot get from a can. Plus using ground beef instead of the usual fatty meats means you get tons of protein. It is a win for everyone.

Ingredients for Crockpot Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Three cans of your favorite beans drained
One pound of lean ground beef
One yellow onion diced up small
One green bell pepper chopped
Half a cup of brown sugar
Two tablespoons of molasses
One tablespoon of yellow mustard
Half a cup of beef broth
A pinch of salt and pepper

How to Make Crockpot Baked Beans with Ground Beef Step-by-Step

Making this is super simple and I will walk you through exactly how I do it in my own kitchen. It is mostly just about getting that beef ready and letting the heat do the rest.

Preparing the Beef

First things first you need to get a skillet nice and hot. Toss in your ground beef and cook it until it is perfectly browned. I like to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. This step is really important because it gives the beef a great texture and lets you drain off any extra fat so the beans do not get greasy. Once it is cooked just set it aside for a second.

Setting the Slow Cooker

Now comes the fun part. Grab your crockpot and dump in the browned beef along with the beans and all those other delicious ingredients. Give it a good stir so everything is coated in that sweet and savory sauce. You can set your timer for four hours on high if you are in a hurry or go for six to eight hours on low. I always prefer the low setting because it gives the flavors more time to really get to know each other and meld together.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Baked Beans with Ground Beef

If you want to take this to the next level try using a blend of different beans like kidney beans and pinto beans for a bit of variety. My biggest tip is to keep the lid on. I know it is tempting to peek but every time you open that lid you lose heat and it slows down the cooking. Just trust the process and let it do its thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried beans for this? You definitely can but you will need to soak them overnight and cook them a bit beforehand so they are soft enough for the slow cooker.

How do I thicken the sauce? If you want it a bit thicker just take a spoonful of the beans and mash them against the side of the pot then stir them back in. It works like a charm for adding body to the sauce.

Storing and Reheating Your Crockpot Baked Beans with Ground Beef

If you have leftovers just put them in a container and stick them in the fridge. They stay good for about three or four days. You can even freeze them if you want to save them for later. Honestly I think this dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to settle and get even richer.

Nutritional Information

This meal is packed with good stuff. Since we are using lean beef and high fiber beans it is a very satisfying dinner. Each serving has a great balance of protein and carbohydrates to keep you full. You are looking at a hearty dose of fiber and iron too which is always a plus for a home cooked meal.