If you crave cozy, nostalgic flavors and a meal that warms your heart as much as your belly, this Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole absolutely deserves a spot in your dinner rotation. It’s a bubbling, delicious mashup of sweet and savory baked beans, robust ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and a few clever pantry staples that transform humble ingredients into pure comfort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just seeking a fuss-free main dish with serious flavor, this casserole brings everyone to the table with big smiles and full plates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
With simple, accessible ingredients, each component in this Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole brings something special to the table. From the richness of ground beef to the pop of smoky paprika and the gooey blanket of cheddar, every ingredient works together to make this dish unforgettable.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle to start your skillet, lending flavor and helping everything cook evenly.
- Ground Beef: The heart of the casserole, adding protein and richness with every bite.
- Yellow Onion (diced): Sweetness and depth, mellowed as it sautés for a comforting base.
- Garlic (minced): Just two cloves transform the flavor, bringing an irresistible aroma.
- Baked Beans (1 can, 28 oz): The soul of this casserole, sweet and saucy for instant cozy vibes.
- Ketchup: For tang and a subtle touch of acidity that balances the richness.
- Yellow Mustard: Adds zing and brightness, waking up all the flavors in the mix.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Depth and umami that makes the casserole taste like it simmered for hours.
- Brown Sugar: Just a tablespoon for a whisper of caramel sweetness that pairs perfectly with the beans.
- Smoked Paprika: A half teaspoon adds gentle smokiness, enhancing the barbecue-style notes.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning—be sure to taste and adjust as needed.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a golden, gooey crown that’s irresistible.
- Chopped Parsley or Green Onions (for garnish): These bring a burst of fresh color 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. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, and cook for 5–6 minutes until it’s browned all over. Draining any excess grease keeps things from getting too heavy and lets the other flavors shine.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, stirring everything together. In just a couple of minutes, the onions go tender and golden while the garlic makes the kitchen smell amazing. This quick sauté adds a mellow sweetness and savory backbone to the casserole.
Step 3: Add the Baked Beans & Sauce
Pour in the canned baked beans, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good mix so every bite is packed with layered flavor. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes—this helps the beef soak up the tangy-sweet sauce and ensures every spoonful is extra tasty.
Step 4: Assemble the Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This step is where the magic comes together, as the seasoned beef and beans get ready for their cheesy oven finale.
Step 5: Top with Cheddar and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and turns a beautiful golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes once it’s out of the oven so it sets up perfectly for serving.
How to Serve Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
Garnishes
A bright sprinkle of chopped parsley or sliced green onions right before serving does wonders, adding color and a fresh, herbal lift that cuts through all the rich, savory notes. If you feel extra festive, a few crispy bacon bits or crushed crackers take things up a notch!
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with this casserole than a wedge of warm cornbread or a simple salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. The sweetness of the cornbread soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully, while salad adds crunch and lightness—let the Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole take center stage with sides that complement, not compete.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon generous portions into individual ramekins for rustic dinner party vibes, or serve over fluffy baked potatoes for an irresistible comfort food twist. If you’re bringing this to a potluck, sprinkle extra cheese and chives on top at the last minute to make a dramatic impression!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, store leftover Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days and the flavors actually deepen as they mingle overnight—a true bonus for next-day lunches!
Freezing
If you want to save some for another hectic weeknight, this casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the baking dish securely. It’ll keep for up to 3 months—just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual servings for a super quick meal. If the casserole seems a bit thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen things up. Top with a pinch of fresh cheese for that just-baked taste!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While classic baked beans create that signature sweet-savory flavor, you can mix things up with pinto, kidney, or navy beans. Just be sure to add a touch more ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to mimic the sauciness of canned baked beans.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (but hold off on baking) and cover tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving. You may need a few extra minutes in the oven since it will be cold from the fridge.
Is there a gluten-free version?
This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is easily adaptable for gluten-free diets. Just double-check the labels on your baked beans, Worcestershire sauce, and condiments to ensure they’re gluten-free. Almost everything else is naturally gluten-free.
Can I add extra veggies?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, or even some diced carrots can all be sautéed with the onions for extra nutrition without changing the comfort factor. Just keep the overall ratio in check so the casserole stays hearty and satisfying.
What’s the best way to transport this casserole?
Let the casserole cool slightly, cover tightly with foil, and use a sturdy baking dish for transport. It stays hot for a good while, making it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or sharing with friends!
Final Thoughts
The next time you’re craving an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner, whip up this Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole and watch it become an instant classic at your table. You’ll love how simple, flavorful, and downright comforting it is—trust me, it’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
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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 comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Loaded with flavorful ingredients like baked beans, ground beef, and cheese, this casserole is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can baked beans
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in baked beans, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Place mixture in a greased baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Rest and Garnish: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions.
Notes
- For added texture, stir in 1/2 cup cooked bacon or top with crushed Ritz crackers before baking.
- This casserole pairs well with cornbread or a simple side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
