Georgia’s Loaded Baked Beans
Georgia’s Loaded Baked Beans are the ultimate comfort food side dish, packed with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and a sweet-tangy sauce that’s rich and hearty.
It’s a Southern-style casserole that turns a simple can of baked beans into a full-flavored, crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or family dinners!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying – With ground beef and bacon, this dish eats like a meal.
Sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor – The combination of barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar creates a bold, irresistible taste.
Feeds a crowd – Makes a generous batch perfect for parties, gatherings, or meal prep.
Easy to make – Everything cooks in one skillet before baking—minimal prep, maximum flavor.
Key Ingredients
Ground beef – Adds a meaty, hearty element that makes these beans filling.
Bacon – Cooked until crisp and sprinkled on top for smoky crunch.
Canned baked beans – The base of the dish; choose your favorite brand.
Bell pepper and onion – Add texture, color, and a savory base.
Barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce – These pantry staples deliver deep, tangy, and smoky notes.
Brown sugar – Brings out the sweet side of the sauce and balances the savory flavors.
Georgia’s Loaded Baked Beans
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 small onion, diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
2 (28 oz) cans baked beans (like Bush’s Original)
½ cup barbecue sauce
¼ cup ketchup
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a plate, crumble once cooled, and set aside.
Using the same pan, brown the ground beef. Once fully cooked, pour off any extra grease.
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pan. Cook until they’re softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the baked beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter the crumbled bacon over the top.
Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and the sauce has thickened.
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
Use lean ground beef (85% or higher) to minimize excess grease.
You can prep this ahead and store it in the fridge before baking.
For extra flavor, use smoked bacon or add a dash of liquid smoke.
This dish thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems saucy right out of the oven.
Nutrition Information
(Per serving, approx. based on 10 servings)
Calories: 420 | Protein: 17g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Sugars: 18g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Fiber: 6g | Sodium: 950mg
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Large skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
9×13-inch baking dish
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Oven
Recipe Swaps and Variations
Make it spicy – Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
Use turkey or plant-based meat – For a lighter or vegetarian version.
Swap beans – Use a mix of pinto, black, or kidney beans with plain tomato sauce for more control over flavor.
Cheesy top – Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top before baking.
Smoky twist – Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in individual portions.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve.
Is this dish spicy?
Not as written. If you prefer heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
What brand of baked beans works best?
Bush’s Original or any thick, molasses-style baked beans work great.
Can I leave out the ground beef?
Sure—just skip it or replace it with lentils or a meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
How long does it stay fresh in the fridge?
It’ll stay good for about 4 days in an airtight container.
Do I need to drain the canned baked beans?
No—use them as-is for the full flavor and saucy texture.
Can I use a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Yes, just cook the meat and veggies first, then combine everything in a slow cooker and heat on low for 4–5 hours.
What kind of mustard should I use?
Yellow or Dijon both work well—Dijon adds a touch more tang.
Can I make this without bacon?
Absolutely! You’ll lose some smokiness, but the dish still tastes great without it.
Can I double the recipe for a big crowd?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two pans and increase the cooking time slightly.