Hearty Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
A Sweet & Savory Comfort Food Classic!
This easy, budget-friendly casserole combines savory ground beef, tender veggies, and smoky-sweet baked beans for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Ready in 30 minutes – Quick prep, minimal cleanup!
✔ Pantry-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
✔ Versatile – Serve as a main dish or hearty side.
✔ Kid-approved – Sweet, tangy flavor kids adore.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans (28 oz total) baked beans (or 3 cups homemade)
- 1 cup (240ml) ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne for heat
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (topped before baking)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef & Veggies
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink (~5 mins). Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and bell pepper; sauté for 3-4 mins until softened.
2. Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Spices (if using)
3. Assemble & Bake
- Stir baked beans and sauce into the beef mixture.
- Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Optional: Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 mins until bubbly.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
Let cool 5 mins before serving with:
- Cornbread or crusty bread
- Coleslaw or green salad
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Keeps for 3-4 days covered.
- Freezer: Store for up to 3 months (thaw before reheating).
- Reheat: Microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Recipe Variations
🌱 Turkey Version: Swap beef for ground turkey.
🥓 Smoky Twist: Add 4-6 crumbled bacon slices.
🌶 Spicy Kick: Mix in 1 diced jalapeño or 1 tbsp hot sauce.
Comfort food done right! Tag your creations #BeefyBakedBeans 🍖🔥
