Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

Sweet, Savory, and Seriously Satisfying Comfort Food

There’s something incredibly nostalgic and comforting about a warm, bubbling casserole straight from the oven—especially when it’s loaded with flavor like this Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole. This dish is the perfect fusion of hearty ground beef, sweet and tangy baked beans, bold spices, and melty richness. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and always a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re serving this up for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or even a backyard BBQ side dish, it’s guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds (maybe thirds!). This is classic American comfort food at its best.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

Quick to Prepare – Simple pantry ingredients, little prep time
Incredibly Flavorful – Sweet, savory, and tangy in every bite
Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for potlucks, parties, or feeding a hungry family
One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes = happy kitchen!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious baked beans and beef casserole:

1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans, with sauce (any brand you love)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, or a dash of hot sauce for added flavor

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole pan.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add the Veggies

Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

4. Mix in the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in:

Ketchup
Mustard
Brown sugar
Worcestershire sauce
A pinch of salt and black pepper

Mix until everything is evenly combined and the sugar has dissolved into the sauce.

5. Add the Baked Beans

Pour in the baked beans, stir gently to combine everything. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the beef and bean mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or cooked bacon bits over the top for extra deliciousness!

7. Bake

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and slightly caramelized around the edges.

8. Serve Warm

Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve it as a main dish with crusty bread or cornbread, or as a side with grilled meats, coleslaw, or salad.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, depending on portion size.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or bake in a 350°F oven until hot.

Tips & Variations

Make it cheesy: Top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar before baking for a cheesy crust.
Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
More texture? Add a layer of crushed Ritz crackers or fried onions on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Meat swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Beans: Try mixing in pinto beans or kidney beans for added texture.

Perfect Pairings

Cornbread or biscuits
Steamed green beans
Creamy coleslaw
Mashed potatoes or rice
A cold glass of iced tea or lemonade

Final Thoughts

This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s comfort food that brings people together. It’s warm, rich, and satisfying, with just the right amount of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or contributing to a potluck, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Steak avec sauce crémeuse au Gorgonzola

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