Name: Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion (diced); 1 green bell pepper (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 (28 oz) can baked beans; ½ cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Get ready to fall in love with the heartwarming, savory goodness of Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, bursting with smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors all baked together under a golden layer of bubbling cheese. Whether you’re hosting a family weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole comes together quickly but delivers rich, unforgettable flavor. It’s as satisfying as it is easy, making it one of those go-to recipes you’ll crave again and again.

Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore most about this casserole is how each ingredient plays its own role, building layers of taste, texture, and color. The list is simple, but trust me: every item matters for that classic, craveable profile.

Olive oil: Adds just the right amount of richness to brown the beef and sauté your veggies.
Ground beef: The star protein, bringing a hearty bite and savory depth – you can use lean or regular depending on preference.
Onion: Provides sweetness and a gentle crunch as it cooks down.
Green bell pepper: Adds color, freshness, and a slight bite to offset the richness.
Garlic: Gives that irresistible aroma and punch of flavor.
Baked beans (28 oz can): The main attraction for saucy, smoky-sweet flavor – use your favorite brand!
Ketchup: Introduces tanginess and glossy sweetness to the mixture.
Yellow mustard: Brings classic zing and a little bit of sharpness.
Worcestershire sauce: Delivers deep umami richness and a slightly savory kick.
Brown sugar: Offers a caramel note that balances all the savory elements.
Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness that elevates the whole casserole.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and making all the flavors pop.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Top for melty, golden goodness that makes this dish truly irresistible.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a burst of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s hot and ready. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This takes about 6 to 7 minutes. If you notice extra grease, drain it off for a lighter casserole with all the flavor you want.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Once that beef is browned and ready for more, toss in your diced onion, chopped green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the veggies start to soften and your kitchen smells amazing.

Step 3: Add the Beans and Sauce

Now for the heart and soul of Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole – stir in your baked beans, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This little pause lets all those bold flavors mingle and become friends.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in your beef and beans mixture, spreading it out evenly in the dish. If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top for that delicious, golden finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly edges and melted, lightly golden cheese on top. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes; this makes serving a breeze and helps the flavors set.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

If you’d like, add a sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving. It’s a lovely fresh touch on this hearty dish and adds a pop of color that looks as wonderful as it tastes.

How to Serve Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

Garnishes

A final flourish can make all the difference. Try topping your Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole with a handful of chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of extra cheese, or even thinly sliced green onions. These small touches add freshness and make the dish feel even more special on the table.

Side Dishes

You really can’t go wrong pairing this casserole with classic sides like warm cornbread, a cool green salad, or zesty coleslaw. These options balance the rich, saucy flavors of Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole and help round out the meal for family or friends.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the casserole into individual ramekins for a fun, personalized serving style. Or, turn leftovers into a loaded baked potato topper, or stuff it into a toasted bread roll like a hearty Sloppy Joe. However you serve it, Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is ready to steal the spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole, simply store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps perfectly for up to 4 days, and honestly, it may taste even richer the next day as the flavors deepen.

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer superstar. Let the dish cool completely, then portion into airtight containers or wrap tightly in foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months – just remember to label and date the package so you can keep track. Ideal for quick meals down the road!

Reheating

To bring your Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole back to bubbly perfection, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until hot, about 20 minutes if thawed. For a faster fix, use the microwave, but cover the dish to keep the moisture in and stir a few times for even warming.

FAQs

Can I make Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, bake as directed – you may need to add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What type Main Course

Any canned baked beans you like will work well, whether that’s classic, vegetarian, or a maple and brown sugar variety. Each brings a slightly different twist to your Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole, so pick your favorite!

Can I use a different meat or make it vegetarian?

For sure! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles are delicious alternatives. Just follow the same cooking steps for a lighter or meat-free version of the casserole.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole can easily be gluten-free: make sure your canned baked beans, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce don’t contain gluten, and you’ll be all set for a safe, satisfying meal.

How can I make this casserole less sweet?

If you prefer a more savory dish, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a lower-sugar baked beans variety. Taste as you go and adjust until the sauce is just right for you.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let another busy weeknight go by without treating yourself to the cozy, crowd-pleasing flavors of Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole. With simple steps, familiar ingredients, and big flavors, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to share with everyone you love. Try it once, and watch it become a new family favorite!

Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender ground beef with savory baked beans, tangy ketchup, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this casserole is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion (diced)
1 green bell pepper (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 (28 oz) can baked beans
½ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Sauté vegetables: Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for another 3–4 minutes until softened.
Combine ingredients: Stir in the baked beans, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheese if using. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.