If you’re searching for an incredibly satisfying comfort food that will bring big smiles to your dinner table, Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is the answer. This dish transforms pantry staples into a bubbling, savory-sweet bake with layers of rich flavor, a hint of smokiness, and irresistible cheesy topping. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a crowd-pleaser at your next potluck, this casserole’s blend of baked beans, tender beef, crisp vegetables, and melty cheese delivers pure happiness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is its straightforward ingredient list. Each component adds an essential element, creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and the kind of rustic heartiness everyone craves from cozy casseroles.
- Lean ground beef: Tender, juicy meat gives the casserole richness and turns it into a true main course.
- Small onion, diced: Aromatic onion sweetens and deepens the flavor base.
- Green bell pepper, diced: Adds color and a pleasant crunch to every serving.
- Garlic, minced: Just two cloves bring the entire dish to life with wonderful, savory fragrance.
- Canned baked beans: These hearty beans in their sweet-savory sauce are the heart of the recipe and make prep so easy.
- Barbecue sauce: Infuses the casserole with smoky, tangy vibes and a hit of sweetness.
- Ketchup: Delivers an extra boost of tomatoey tang that binds everything together.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a touch of umami complexity and savory depth.
- Brown sugar: Balances out the savory flavors with a caramelized sweetness.
- Smoked paprika: A subtle smokiness that makes all the difference—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Just enough spice to warm things up without being overpowering.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all those flavors into perfect harmony.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The gooey, golden crown of the casserole, adding that classic comfort food finish.
- Cooked bacon, crumbled: Salty, crispy bacon turns this casserole into something truly special.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A pop of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Make Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring even baking from the get-go. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, so your casserole scoops out easily and the cleanup is effortless.
Step 2: Sauté Beef and Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper. Cook them together for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the beef is browned and crumbly and the vegetables have softened and sweetened. Drain any excess fat to keep your Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole light and flavorful, not greasy.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for one more minute in the skillet. This quick sauté unleashes the garlic’s flavor, adding a delicious aromatic note to your casserole.
Step 4: Stir in the Beans and Sauces
Now for the big flavor boost! Stir in the canned baked beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so that each bite is packed with sweet, tangy, and smoky goodness.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the hearty mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top, then add your crumbled, crispy bacon over the cheese layer for extra flair and flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, caramelized sauce and a melty golden cheese topping. Let the casserole rest for about five minutes before you garnish with fresh parsley and dig in.
How to Serve Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way with Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the hot, bubbly cheese for just the right splash of color and herbal freshness. If you love a little extra zing, sliced green onions or a dusting of smoked paprika are great finishing touches.
Side Dishes
Choose comforting, classic sides to turn your casserole into a complete meal. Fluffy cornbread is a go-to for soaking up that rich sauce, while a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw adds a lovely contrast to the hearty, savory-sweet casserole. Roasted vegetables also make a colorful, wholesome pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful spin, try spooning the casserole into individual ramekins for rustic personal servings, perfect for family-style gatherings. Or serve it as a hearty topping over baked potatoes for a totally new twist. If you’re cooking for kids, a little side of corn chips for scooping turns dinner into an interactive treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole keep beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Transfer cooled portions into airtight containers and store them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole freezes well. Let the casserole cool completely, wrap it tightly or place in a freezer-safe dish, and freeze for up to three months. For best results, freeze without the cheese and bacon topping, then add these fresh when you bake or reheat.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until steamy and hot, or warm larger batches in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese and bacon if desired to refresh the gooey, crispy topping before serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole. You may want to add a splash of extra Worcestershire sauce or a pinch more smoked paprika to amp up the savory flavor.
What type Main Course
Classic canned baked beans in a slightly sweet tomato-based sauce are perfect here. Feel free to choose your favorite brand or go with maple, hickory, or homestyle varieties for subtle flavor twists.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Prepare the casserole up until baking, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since it will be cold from the fridge.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole can be gluten-free if you choose baked beans, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce that are labeled gluten-free. Always double-check ingredient labels if you have dietary needs.
Can I make this casserole spicy?
Definitely! Add a diced jalapeño along with the bell pepper or stir in your favorite hot sauce. A sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes over the top before baking also adds a zesty kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole, now is the perfect time. It’s every bit as inviting and delicious as it sounds—comfort food with a homey touch and big crowd appeal. Give it a go, and get ready for happy forks and satisfied smiles around your table!
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Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef, tender vegetables, baked beans, and gooey cheddar cheese topped with crispy bacon. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
- 3 cups canned baked beans
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until beef is browned. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in baked beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread mixture in the baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese and bacon.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let it rest, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Serve with cornbread, salad, or coleslaw
- Ground turkey or pork can be used instead of beef
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
