Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon

Ingredients:

• Meat & Aromatics
• 1 lb ground beef
• 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• Beans & Sauce
• 2 cans (28 oz total) baked beans
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp mustard
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder
• Topping
• Extra cooked bacon pieces
• Fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the grease.
2. Add diced onion and cook until softened.
3. In a bowl, combine baked beans, BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire, pepper, and optional paprika. Stir in the beef and onions.
4. Pour into a baking dish and top with bacon.
5. Bake at 350°F for 45–55 minutes until bubbling.
6. Cool slightly and serve.