Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This casserole combines savory ground beef with rich, sweet baked beans, creating a delicious blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also easy to make and uses common ingredients that you might already have on hand.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
There are several reasons to love this Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole. First, it’s incredibly filling and packed with protein, making it a great choice for satisfying even the hungriest diners. Second, its sweet and savory flavor profile appeals to a wide range of taste buds. Third, it’s a one-dish meal, which means less cleanup for you—just serve and enjoy! Lastly, this casserole is forgiving; it can be customized with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have in your pantry.
How to Make Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
Creating this baked beans and ground beef casserole is straightforward. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to bake.
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 brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish with butter.
In a deep skillet, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened. Drain excess grease.
Note: You can substitute half of the bell pepper for jalapeno or poblano for added heat.
Add ketchup to the skillet and stir to combine. Then, add mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to mix everything well. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed.
Add baked beans along with the juice. Stir carefully to combine, being gentle not to mash the beans.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it evenly. Cover and seal the dish with foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Enjoy your delicious casserole!
How to Serve Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
This casserole is best served hot from the oven. You can enjoy it on its own, or pair it with some fresh bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple side salad can also complement the dish nicely, providing a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese if desired for an extra touch.
How to Store Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
If you have leftovers, you can store them easily. Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for about 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
- Brown the beef well: Make sure to cook the ground beef until it’s well browned. This enhances the flavor of the casserole.
- Customize your beans: Feel free to mix different kinds of canned beans. Black beans or kidney beans can be great additions.
- Add more veggies: Consider adding other veggies like diced carrots or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter casserole, add a bit more brown sugar or even a splash of maple syrup.
Variations
- Spicy Version: For a spicier kick, add diced jalapenos or use spicy ground sausage instead of beef.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with vegetarian meat crumbles or extra beans (like chickpeas or lentils) for a meatless dish.
- BBQ Twist: Incorporate BBQ sauce for a fun twist on flavors. Replace the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky taste.
Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- 9×13 Baking Dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef lean
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cans baked beans 15 oz each, undrained
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar packed
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked beef mixture, baked beans, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, mustard, and brown sugar. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
2. What can I serve with this dish?
This casserole pairs well with cornbread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables.
3. Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of beans. Black beans, pinto beans, or even kidney beans can be good substitutes.
4. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it’s bubbly and heated through. If it’s been in the oven for the recommended time, it should be ready to enjoy!
With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you are serving it for a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish promises satisfaction and warmth. Enjoy!
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