Baked Beans And Ground Beef Casserole

Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole has a way of bringing people together, filling the kitchen with rich, savory aromas and a comforting sense of nostalgia. The combination of tender beef, hearty beans, and a sweet-and-savory sauce creates a flavor-packed meal that feels like home.

On a chilly evening when I needed something warm and satisfying but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, I made it. As the casserole baked, its mouthwatering scent wrapped around my home, instantly lifting my spirits.

The first bite is so good. I can feel the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet goodness—just the kind of comfort food I love. Now, it’s my go-to dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a simple weeknight dinner when I crave something deliciously effortless.

Short Description

A hearty and flavorful Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole, featuring seasoned beef, tender beans, and a rich, sweet-and-savory sauce baked to perfection. Perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or meal prep!

Key Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (15 oz) cans pork and beans (do not drain)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp butter

Tools Needed

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef & Veggies
In a large deep skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened. Drain excess grease. (For extra flavor, swap half the bell pepper for a diced jalapeño or poblano pepper!)

Step 3: Mix in the Sauce
Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar until fully combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Add the Beans
Pour in the pork and beans with their juice. Stir carefully to combine without breaking the beans.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy & Quick: Minimal prep and simple ingredients.

Incredibly Flavorful: A perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable proteins.

Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Skipping the Drain Step: Excess grease can make the casserole too oily. Always drain the beef before adding other ingredients.

Overmixing the Beans: Stir gently to keep the beans intact for the best texture.

Not Covering While Baking: Covering keeps the dish moist and prevents drying out.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

– Serve with cornbread, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
– Pairs well with sweet iced tea or lemonade.
– Try it as a topping for baked potatoes for a fun twist!

Storage & Reheating Tips

– Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
– Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
– Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works well and makes the dish leaner.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

3. What can I use instead of ketchup?
Try BBQ sauce or tomato sauce with extra brown sugar for a unique twist.

4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the beef, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

5. How do I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.

Tips & Tricks

– Add crispy bacon bits for extra smokiness.
– Swap out regular mustard for Dijon for a bolder flavor.
– If you like a thicker consistency, bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes.

Recipe Variations

Tex-Mex Style: Add 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, and a can of drained black beans. Top with shredded cheese before baking.

Vegetarian Version: Substitute beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetarian baked beans.

BBQ Twist: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce and add 1/2 cup crispy bacon for smoky depth.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is one of those comforting, no-fuss dishes that always delivers on flavor. It’s hearty, rich, and just the right balance of sweet and savory. The way the flavors meld together after baking is what truly makes this dish stand out—it’s warm, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring people back for seconds.

I always enjoy pairing it with cornbread or a simple side salad, but honestly, it’s delicious all on its own. It also reheats beautifully, so leftovers never go to waste.

If you like a little extra heat, try swapping half the bell pepper for a jalapeño—it adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish. However you choose to make it, this casserole is bound to become a go-to recipe in your home. Give it a try and enjoy every bite!