You take a bite of your High-Protein Baked Beans with Ground Beef… it’s warm, rich, absolutely delicious. But then… a suspicious gurgle. You freeze. Oh no. Your stomach just realized what you’ve done, and now it’s gearing up for battle. This isn’t just dinner—it’s a ticking time bomb.
Family Starts Noticing…
Thirty minutes later, people are casually excusing themselves from the room. Your spouse suddenly “needs fresh air,” the dog is looking at you in horror, and somehow… even the furniture feels offended. Windows open, fans on, but let’s be honest—there’s no escape.
Only Way Out…
At this point, you have two options: blame someone else (“Wow, must’ve been that broccoli!”) or own it like a champion—point to your plate and say, “This is the price of protein, baby!” Either way… maybe don’t sit in the middle of the couch next time.
Table of Contents
Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights)
Let’s talk about why this High-Protein Baked Beans with Ground Beef is a total game-changer! Here are some top reasons why you’ll absolutely love this dish:
Packed with Protein & Fiber
This dish brings together lean ground beef and navy beans, making it a protein powerhouse with plenty of fiber to keep you full and satisfied.
One-Pot Wonder (Easy Cleanup!)
Who loves washing a pile of dishes? Not me! This one-pot meal means less mess, less stress, and more time to enjoy your food.
Balanced Sweet & Savory Flavors
The combination of molasses, ketchup, and Dijon mustard creates a perfectly balanced blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors—a little bit of magic in every bite!
Customizable & Diet-Friendly
Make it your own! Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option, add extra veggies, or even make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and doubling the beans.
Great for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a potluck crowd-pleaser, or a high-protein meal prep option, this dish fits the bill every time!
Comfort Food without the Guilt
Enjoy all the heartiness of traditional baked beans with beef, but with better-for-you ingredients that don’t compromise on taste or texture.
So, if you’re looking for an easy, high-protein meal that’s delicious, filling, and super simple to make, this High-Protein Baked Beans with Ground Beef is calling your name!
Ingredients Needed

Protein & Base:
- Lean ground beef
- Onion, chopped
- No-salt-added navy beans, rinsed
Sauce & Seasonings:
- Water
- Ketchup (low-sugar option recommended)
- Molasses
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Salt
Garnish:
- Fresh chives, chopped
How to Make High-Protein Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Here’s a quick step-by-step overview of how to make this delicious high-protein dish:
Sauté the Onion & Beef – Cook the onions and ground beef in a pan with olive oil until the meat is browned and onions are soft.
Add the Beans & Sauce Ingredients – Stir in the navy beans, ketchup, molasses, mustard, garlic powder, and salt along with water.
Simmer Until Thickened – Let the mixture simmer for 5-8 minutes until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
Garnish & Serve – Top with fresh chives and serve warm!

One-Pot Recipe – Everything cooks in the same pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Storage & Serving Suggestion
Storage Tips
Because leftovers should taste just as amazing as the first bite… let’s talk storage and serving tips!
Refrigerate like a pro – Store any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge for up to 4 days… because who doesn’t love an easy reheat meal?
Freeze for later – Want to meal prep like a boss? Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months! Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when needed.
Reheat with ease – Warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between… add a splash of water if needed to loosen up the sauce!
Serving Tips
Enjoy it as a main dish – Because this High-Protein Baked Beans with Ground Beef is super hearty and totally satisfying on its own!
Pair it up – Serve it with brown rice, quinoa, or whole-wheat toast for a wholesome meal.
Make it a BBQ side – This dish is the perfect sidekick to grilled chicken, burgers, or even veggie skewers at your next cookout!
Get creative with leftovers – Spoon it over baked potatoes, tacos, or even whole-wheat pasta for a flavor-packed twist!
Toppings, anyone? – A little sprinkle of fresh chives, shredded cheese, or even avocado slices can take this dish to the next level!
So go ahead, store it, reheat it, serve it your way… but most importantly, enjoy every bite!
Tips & FAQs
How many calories are in baked beans with ground beef?
The calorie content can vary based on ingredients, but on average:
One-cup serving (~235g) contains around 294 calories
Protein: ~18g | Fat: ~12g | Carbs: ~35g
Using lean ground beef and low-sugar beans can reduce the calorie count.
Looking for a lighter option? Swap ground beef for ground turkey or use reduced-sugar baked beans!
What can I add to my baked beans to make them even better?
Baked beans are super versatile! Try adding:
Veggies – Bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños for crunch & flavor.
Sweeteners – A drizzle of molasses or brown sugar for a caramelized touch.
Spices & Herbs – Smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, or black pepper for depth.
Condiments – Barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, or Worcestershire sauce for bold taste.
Bacon or Turkey Sausage – For extra smokiness and protein.
Pro Tip: A splash of apple cider vinegar can brighten up the flavors!
Are baked beans high in protein?
Yes! Beans are naturally protein-packed, and when paired with ground beef, they make a high-protein meal.
A serving of baked beans with ground beef has around 18g of protein!
Navy beans and pinto beans are great sources of plant-based protein.
Using extra-lean ground beef keeps it WW-friendly and nutritious.
Want even more protein? Add ground turkey or extra beans to the mix!
How do you cook baked beans with ground beef?
Super easy! Just follow these steps:
Sauté onions & ground beef in a skillet until browned.
Add baked beans, your favorite seasonings, and a splash of BBQ sauce.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors blend together.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese!
Want to make it even easier? Use a slow cooker and let it simmer all day for maximum flavor!
What’s the best way to store and reheat baked beans with ground beef?
Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze – Portion into containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat – Warm it up on the stovetop or microwave—add a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Meal-prep tip: Make a big batch and freeze portions for easy weeknight meals!
What should I serve with baked beans and ground beef?
This dish is super versatile! Try pairing it with:
Brown rice or quinoa – For extra fiber & whole grains.
Whole-wheat toast or cornbread – Classic Southern-style!
Grilled chicken or turkey burgers – A protein-packed combo.
Roasted veggies – A lighter, nutrient-rich side.
Or just grab a spoon and enjoy it as a hearty one-bowl meal!
Can I cook baked beans with ground beef in a slow cooker?
Yes, and it makes the flavors even better!
Brown the ground beef & onions first.
Add everything to a slow cooker.
Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Perfect for busy days when you want a ready-to-eat, protein-packed meal!
Health Benefits of High-Protein Baked Beans with Ground Beef
When you think of High-Protein Baked Beans with Ground Beef, you probably picture comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and totally satisfying. But did you know this dish is also packed with health benefits? Let’s break down why this protein-rich meal is not only delicious but also great for your body!
High in Protein for Muscle Growth & Satiety
Beans + Lean Ground Beef = A Protein Powerhouse!
Helps build & repair muscles—perfect for active lifestyles.
Keeps you fuller for longer, reducing unnecessary snacking.
One serving can pack up to 18-25g of protein, depending on portion size!
Rich in Fiber for Gut Health
Beans = One of the best fiber sources out there!
Supports digestion & keeps things moving smoothly.
Helps regulate blood sugar levels, preventing spikes & crashes.
A serving of this dish contains around 8-10g of fiber, which is nearly 40% of your daily needs!
Supports Heart Health
Beans are cholesterol-free & heart-friendly.
Lean beef contains iron & B12, supporting healthy blood circulation.
High fiber helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and promote heart health.
Choosing lean meat + reducing added sugar makes this a heart-healthy choice!
Balanced Blood Sugar & Energy Levels
Low-glycemic beans help stabilize blood sugar.
Protein & fiber work together to slow digestion & prevent energy crashes.
Perfect for diabetics or those watching their carb intake!
For an even lower-sugar version, use unsweetened ketchup & reduce molasses!
Boosts Immunity & Provides Essential Nutrients
Iron & Zinc from beef support immune function & energy production.
Beans are loaded with antioxidants that fight inflammation.
B vitamins keep your body energized & strong.
A nutrient-dense meal that fuels your body while tasting amazing!
Versatile & Easy to Customize for Any Diet
Want it lower in fat? Use ground turkey or chicken.
Need a vegetarian option? Swap beef for lentils or mushrooms!
Following a low-carb diet? Reduce the beans & add extra protein.
This dish works for just about everyone—just tweak it to fit your needs!
Final Thoughts: A Healthy Comfort Food You Can Feel Good About!
This High-Protein Baked Beans with Ground Beef recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring! It’s nutrient-packed, super satisfying, and full of flavor, making it a great choice for meal prep, family dinners, or post-workout fuel.
Protein-packed & filling
Supports digestion & heart health
Balanced & WW-friendly
Easy to customize for different diets
So go ahead, enjoy your comfort food guilt-free—your body will thank you for it!
I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or share a photo of your dish on social media and tag me. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who are looking for the ultimate High-Protein Baked Beans with Ground Beef—they’ll thank you for it! 🥚✨

Hearty High-Protein Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Description
This High-Protein Baked Beans with Ground Beef is a hearty, protein-packed meal with a rich, smoky-sweet flavor. Perfect for meal prep, Weight Watchers, and family dinners!
Ingredients
Protein & Base:
Sauce & Seasonings:
Garnish:
Instructions
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Sauté the Aromatics & Meat: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and lean ground beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and the onion softens.
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Add the Beans & Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the navy beans, water, ketchup, molasses, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt.
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Simmer Until Thickened: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally and let it cook for 5–8 minutes, until the sauce is slightly thickened and coats the beans and beef beautifully.
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Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chives before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 10g40%
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
You know a recipe is a winner when your family wipes their plates clean… and that’s exactly what happened with this High-Protein Baked Beans with Ground Beef!
My husband, who’s usually skeptical about “healthy versions” of comfort food, went back for seconds (okay, thirds!). And my kids? They devoured it without a single complaint—which, trust me, is RARE!
I love how this dish packs in protein, keeps us full, and tastes like a warm hug in a bowl. If you’re looking for a family-friendly, WW-approved meal that’s easy and delicious, this one’s for you!