Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, savory, and packed with flavor. It’s a classic blend of sweet and smoky baked beans, seasoned ground beef, and a tangy BBQ kick, all baked into one cozy dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or potluck gatherings, this casserole is easy to throw together and always a crowd-pleaser. Top it with melty cheese for an extra indulgent touch!

⏱ Time:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15 oz) cans baked beans (like Bush’s or your favorite brand)
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Cook the beef:

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic until beef is browned and vegetables are softened. Drain excess grease.

Add the flavor:

Stir in the baked beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Transfer to baking dish:

Pour the beef and bean mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Smooth the top.

Optional cheese topping:

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Bake

uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden (if using).

Serve warm:

Great with cornbread, a green salad, or even over rice.

✅ Tips for the Best Casserole:

• Use quality baked beans: Choose a flavorful brand—original or hickory-smoked styles work great. You can also use homemade baked beans if you’ve got them!
• Drain excess grease: After browning the beef, always drain the fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Add a crunch: Top with crushed Ritz crackers, fried onions, or even crumbled bacon before baking for a crispy finish.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate—just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.
• Customize the flavor: Try spicy BBQ sauce, add diced jalapeños, or stir in a dash of liquid smoke for added depth.

❓ Q&A:

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative—just season it generously.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetarian baked beans.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yep! Assemble and cool it completely, then freeze it tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Q: What goes well with this casserole?
A: Cornbread, coleslaw, green salad, or roasted veggies all pair perfectly.

Q: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
A: You sure can! After browning the beef and mixing everything together, cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours in your slow cooker.