Meaty Chili Baked Beans

These Meaty Chili Baked Beans are the perfect comfort food, hearty, rich, and packed with bold flavours. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a BBQ or just want a satisfying weeknight dinner, this one-pan wonder delivers big time.

You might think of baked beans as a humble side dish, but this version is a total upgrade. Ground beef adds heartiness, while a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy ingredients transforms these beans into something truly special. Ketchup, brown sugar, dill pickle relish, and a splash of balsamic vinegar give this dish a uniquely delicious kick, think of it as baked beans with attitude.

Something on the Side:

This dish is perfect when you want something low-effort but high-impact. You only need one pan to bring everything together, and the oven does most of the heavy lifting. You’ll end up with a thick, flavour-packed bean bake that’s just as good spooned onto a plate as it is piled onto a slice of toast.

Serve it at a potluck, make it the star of your next game-day spread, or enjoy it curled up on the sofa with your favourite show. Either way, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot.

These Meaty Chili Baked Beans are the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. They’re simple, hearty, and loaded with rich, meaty flavour.

Amazing Pasta Dishes:

Meaty Chili Baked Beans Ingredients

As always, I’ve chosen ingredients that strike the perfect balance between flavour and ease. No obscure spices or fancy pantry items; just familiar ingredients that come together beautifully.

• Olive Oil: Just a little helps soften the onions and brings everything together.
• White Onion: Adds a sweet, savoury base that balances the other bold ingredients.
• Ground Beef: Makes this dish super hearty and turns baked beans into a proper meal.
• Ketchup: For that classic tangy sweetness.
• Dill Pickle Relish: Adds a zingy twist that cuts through the richness.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Deepens the flavour and adds a bit of sophistication.
• Brown Sugar: Balances out the savoury elements with just the right amount of sweetness.
• Dried Mustard: A little kick of heat and spice to round out the flavour.
• Chili Powder: Adds warmth and a bit of a smoky edge.
• Bush’s Baked Beans: I use one 28 oz and one 16 oz can. These beans are saucy, rich, and the perfect base.

How to Make Meaty Chili Baked Beans

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced white onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as you go. You want a nice fine crumble for even flavour in every bite.
3. Stir in the ketchup, dill pickle relish, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, dried mustard, and chili powder. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes so the flavours can really develop.
4. Add both cans of baked beans and stir well to combine.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the bean mixture to a baking dish (or keep it in an oven-safe skillet) and bake uncovered for 35 minutes.
6. Once baked, let the beans sit for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavours to deepen even more.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Few Possible Variations of my Meaty Chili Baked Beans

This dish is super flexible, so don’t be afraid to experiment! You can swap the ground beef for turkey or plant-based mince, or throw in extras like chopped bell peppers, cooked bacon, or even a dash of hot sauce. Want it smokier? Try a spoonful of BBQ sauce in place of ketchup. Looking for more veg? Stir in some corn or finely chopped spinach before baking.

How Do You Like Your Beans?

These Meaty Chili Baked Beans are great as a standalone meal, but you can also serve them as a hearty side with grilled meats, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. If you’re hosting, they pair beautifully with cold beer or a fruity iced tea.

Storing Leftover Meaty Chili Baked beans

Let the beans cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water if needed. This dish also freezes beautifully, just thaw and reheat when you’re ready for round two.

Leave a comment or review and let me know how your Meaty Chili Baked Beans turned out. I love hearing from you, and your feedback helps me cook up more dishes you’ll love!

Meaty Chili Baked Beans

Perfect for topping a Hot Dog these chili-baked beans can also be served as a side with your favorite grilled meats

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 418 kcal

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped white onion diced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 Tbsp dill pickle relish
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried mustard
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 28 oz plus one 16 oz can Bush’s Baked Beans

• Sauté the diced onion in olive oil in a skillet. Sauté until soft, then add the ground beef. Cook the ground beef until it is fully cooked. Make sure you use a spatula to break the ground beef into a fine crumble.

• Add the ketchup, relish, vinegar, brown sugar, dried mustard, and Sauté for about ten minutes.

• Next, add the cans of beans.

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and bake the beans for 35 minutes.

• When the beans are done baking, let them sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Optional: you can add the beans to a crock pot after browning the ground beef and the onions and simmer on the stove and cook on low 6 for 4-6 hours, and then keep warm in the crock.

Calories: 418kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 21gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 762mgPotassium: 721mgFiber: 8gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 451IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 105mgIron: 4mg