Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Wholesome, hearty, and downright irresistible, Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is the kind of comfort food dreams are made of. Imagine savory ground beef and sweet, smoky baked beans melding together in a saucy embrace, topped (optionally!) with melted cheddar and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This one-dish wonder delivers cozy flavors and tummy-filling satisfaction, perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a dish that guarantees cheers around the table. Ready to bring the warmth and nostalgia of this classic casserole into your own kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is how it transforms humble pantry staples into something utterly crave-worthy. Each item has a special role, adding a unique flavor, texture, or pop of color to make this casserole sing. Here’s what you need and why:
- Ground Beef: Savory, satisfying, and the hearty backbone of this dish—promise, it’ll keep you full and happy.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth, plus that irresistible aroma when sautéed.
- Garlic: For a punch of flavor that elevates every other element in the casserole.
- Baked Beans: Bring that rich, slightly sweet flavor and cozy, soft texture with every bite.
- Ketchup: Offers tanginess and a gentle, family-friendly sweetness to the sauce.
- Yellow Mustard: Lends brightness and a little zip to balance out all the richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory “umami” magic—it just makes things taste meatier and more complex.
- Brown Sugar: Accentuates the natural sweetness of the beans and rounds out the acidity from the ketchup and mustard.
- Smoked Paprika: For a smoky backnote that brings campfire vibes right to your kitchen.
- Salt and Pepper: The essential duo to wake up all the flavors.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Optional): If you’re a cheese lover, this is your crunchy, bubbly, golden ticket to casserole happiness.
- Chopped Parsley or Green Onions (Optional): Fresh garnishes for a bright, tasty finish.
How to Make Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with your diced onion until the beef is deeply browned and the onions are translucent, releasing all their sweet aroma. This step is all about building flavor—let the beef get some color and the onions work their magic. Drain off any excess grease so your casserole doesn’t turn out greasy.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle and perfume the mixture for about a minute. Garlic burns fast, so keep an eye on it and be ready for that irresistible kitchen fragrance that signals delicious things ahead!
Step 3: Mix in the Beans and Sauce
Stir in the baked beans (juice and all), ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mixing everything in at once allows the flavors to mingle and start their tasty transformation. Let this flavorful batch gently simmer together for about 5 minutes—just enough time for the sauce to thicken slightly and coat every morsel.
Step 4: Assemble and Top with Cheese
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If you’re team cheese, now’s the time to shower the top with shredded cheddar for an oozy, melty finish. This simple step gives your Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole an irresistible golden crust that’s impossible to resist.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbling Perfection
Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated all the way through. The cheesy top should be melted and perhaps a little golden around the edges. Allow the casserole to cool slightly, so the flavors settle and the portions lift out beautifully.
How to Serve Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
Garnishes
For a fresh snap, sprinkle over chopped parsley or green onions right before serving. Not only do these add color and crunch, but their brightness cuts through the hearty richness of the Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole for a perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like warm cornbread, a crisp green salad, or even roasted veggies make wonderful companions to your casserole. Their textures and flavors balance out the saucy, savory goodness while rounding out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring a touch of whimsy by serving Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a personalized touch at gatherings. Or scoop onto baked sweet potatoes for a delicious, loaded twist—it’s like two comfort foods in one cozy bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, stash leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen and meld as it sits, making your next-day serving even more delicious.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the baked (and cooled) casserole into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with foil. It keeps well for up to three months, making Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole a meal prep superstar. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered, until hot and bubbly (about 20–25 minutes). You can also microwave individual servings, though the oven keeps that lovely baked texture intact.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate overnight, then simply bake when you’re ready. It’s a great prep-ahead option for busy days or dinner parties.
What substitutions can I make for the ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken work well if you’d like a lighter option, or swap in part ground sausage for deeper, spicier flavor. Even cooked lentils can fill in for a vegetarian twist!
Is this casserole spicy?
Not as written—it’s mild and family-friendly. If you like a bit of heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce with the sauce ingredients.
Can I use homemade baked beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade baked beans add an extra layer of love and flavor. Just use about the same amount (roughly 30 ounces) as you would canned, and be sure they’re saucy enough to meld with the beef mixture.
What’s the best way to transport this dish to a potluck?
Let the casserole cool slightly, then cover tightly with foil. Transport in the original baking dish or transfer to a sturdy, travel-ready casserole carrier. It holds up beautifully—just reheat at your destination, and don’t forget the garnishes!
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply nostalgic and downright exciting about a bubbling pan of Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole coming out of the oven. It’s comforting, quick to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you might just discover your family’s new go-to favorite!
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Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. With a savory mix of ground beef, baked beans, and a touch of sweetness, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Casserole:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add Ingredients: Add the baked beans, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, garnish as desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a heartier dish, stir in cooked crumbled bacon or substitute ground sausage for part of the beef.
- This casserole pairs well with cornbread or a crisp side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
