Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole 🍖🧅🥗

This hearty and flavorful Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with savory ground beef, sweet and tangy baked beans, and a medley of spices, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to satisfy everyone at the table!

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious casserole step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty & Satisfying : A protein-packed dish that’s filling and comforting.
2. Easy to Make : Just brown the beef, mix the ingredients, and bake—no fancy techniques required.
3. Customizable : Add your favorite veggies, cheeses, or spices to make it your own.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly : Prepare it ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.

Ingredients

(Serves 4–6)

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion , diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper , diced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon works well )
• ½ cup brown sugar , packed
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) baked beans (original or your favorite variety )
• Optional toppings : shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes .
2. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

3. Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
2. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine.
3. Stir in the canned baked beans, mixing everything evenly.

4. Assemble and Bake

1. Transfer the beef and bean mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for a melty, cheesy finish.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes , or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden.

5. Garnish & Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley, if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success

1. Add Extra Veggies : Boost nutrition by adding diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the onions and peppers.
2. Spice It Up : Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
3. Use Different Beans : Swap baked beans for kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans for a twist.
4. Make Ahead : Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
5. Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days . Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Perfect Pairings

This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Cornbread : Sweet and buttery cornbread is the perfect side for soaking up the saucy goodness.
• Green Salad : A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables : Serve with broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots for added nutrients.
• Crusty Bread : Warm, crusty bread is great for mopping up every last bite.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories : ~350 kcal
• Protein : ~20g
• Carbohydrates : ~40g
• Fat : ~15g
• Fiber : ~5g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its savory-sweet flavor profile and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for feeding a family or bringing to a gathering. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, a dish to share at a potluck, or something to prep for the week, this casserole has got you covered. So grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat!