Heart-Healthy Hearty Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Warm, comforting, and packed with nutrition, this Heart-Healthy Hearty Baked Beans with Ground Beef recipe is a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Made with extra-lean ground beef, a medley of low-sodium beans, and a rich tomato-molasses sauce, this dish delivers bold, smoky flavors without sacrificing your health goals. Sautéed onion, red bell pepper, and fragrant garlic form the flavor base, while smoked paprika and cumin add a delightful depth. Baked to perfection in the oven, the result is a thick and satisfying dish perfect as a main course or a side. Ready in just over an hour, this protein- and fiber-loaded recipe is both nourishing and delicious, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish!

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound extra-lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 15 ounces low-sodium canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 ounces low-sodium canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 15 ounces canned crushed tomatoes, no salt added
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, sauté until they are soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 6

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute with the beef and vegetables.

Step 7

Add the crushed tomatoes, water, molasses, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Stir to mix well.

Step 8

Incorporate the rinsed and drained cannellini and kidney beans into the mixture.

Step 9

Season with smoked paprika, ground cumin, and black pepper, stirring well to blend all the flavors together.

Step 10

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet or transfer the mixture to a suitable baking dish.

Step 11

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 12

Remove from the oven, let it slightly cool, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Step 13

Serve hot as a main dish or as a hearty side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2396.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2053.6

Total Fat 67.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 20.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 340.2mg	0%
Sodium 832.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 220.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 55.0g	0%
Total Sugars 67.7g
Protein 147.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 656.7mg	0%
Iron 33.2mg	0%
Potassium 6506.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.1%

Protein: 28.5%

Carbs: 42.5%