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If you love hearty, comforting dishes that bring everyone to the table with smiles, then you are going to adore this Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe. It strikes the perfect balance of savory ground beef mingling with sweet and tangy baked beans, topped off with a golden layer of melted cheddar. This dish is not only super satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate, guaranteed to become one of your favorite casseroles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create a comforting, flavorful meal. Each component plays an essential role: the ground beef brings richness, onions provide a subtle sweetness, and the baked beans contribute a luscious saucy base with just the right sweetness and tang. The cheese melts over the top for a creamy finish, while simple seasonings tie everything together perfectly.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean to keep the dish hearty without too much grease.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and aroma, perfectly softens as it cooks.
- 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans (or 3 cups homemade baked beans): Provides the signature saucy element with a sweet-savory punch.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top for gooey richness.
- 1 cup ketchup: Balances the savory notes with a bit of tangy sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Enhances the baked beans’ natural sweetness and caramelizes during baking.
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional): Adds a subtle zing that lifts the flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Delivers a deep umami boost that makes the beef pop.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (optional): Offers a fragrant hint of garlic that complements the beef and beans.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking): Used to sauté the ground beef and onions perfectly.
How to Make Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any extra fat if it looks too greasy—this will keep your casserole from getting heavy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Next, toss in the diced onion right into your skillet with the cooked beef. Allow it to soften and become fragrant for around 3 minutes. This step adds a lovely sweetness and texture. At this stage, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if you’re using) to really deepen the flavor profile.
Step 3: Mix in the Beans and Sauce
Now comes the magic moment where everything starts coming together. Stir in your baked beans along with ketchup, brown sugar, mustard (if you opted for it), and Worcestershire sauce into the beef and onion mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is combined and warmed through, about 3 to 5 minutes. This creates that rich, saucy base that the casserole is famous for.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the savory beef and bean mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure every slice delivers that perfect balance. Then generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top—you’re building those irresistible layers!
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide your assembled casserole into the oven and bake it uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for that glorious melted, bubbly, golden cheese that signals the dish is ready to come out and be devoured.
Step 6: Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole and let it cool just a few minutes—this lets the flavors settle and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and prepare for a warm, filling meal that’s just as good as it smells!
How to Serve Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of green color and a fresh hint of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of sour cream can add a creamy, tangy contrast that complements the robust flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple yet fresh sides. Crisp green salads with vinaigrette help cut through the richness, and roasted vegetables add lovely color and nutrition. For a cozier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or warm cornbread work like a dream alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual ramekins for charming, personalized portions. You can also layer it with crushed tortilla chips or crispy onions on top before baking for added texture. And for those casual gatherings, set it buffet-style so everyone can pile their plates high!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick reheats on busy days.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap the casserole dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. You can store it for up to 2 months, which makes it a great meal prep option for future busy weeks.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, pop the casserole into a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Reheating in the oven helps keep that lovely baked texture and melted cheese intact better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter alternatives, though the flavor might be milder. Using Worcestershire sauce and mustard becomes even more important here to boost the savory depth.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with meatless crumbles or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils to keep the texture and protein content. Just adjust seasonings to your taste.
Can I make this casserole spicier?
Definitely. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some chili powder, or even chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture to turn up the heat while keeping all those layered flavors vibrant.
What type of baked beans is best to use?
Canned baked beans work perfectly for convenience and consistency, but homemade baked beans add a wonderful homemade touch. Just make sure your beans are nicely sauced since that’s key for the casserole’s character.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance before baking?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and keep it refrigerated. Bake it fresh when you’re ready, just add a few extra minutes to the bake time since it will be colder going in.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace from the inside out. It’s simple to make, rich in flavor, and endlessly satisfying in every bite. If you’re craving comfort food with a nostalgic twist but want something that comes together quickly, this recipe is a must-try. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a cherished staple in your meal rotation, inviting you back for seconds and thirds without hesitation.
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Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners. Combining savory ground beef, sweet and tangy baked beans, and melted cheddar cheese, this casserole delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures baked to perfection. Ideal for a cozy meal, it’s straightforward to prepare and great for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
Beans and Sauce
- 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans (or 3 cups homemade baked beans)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (optional)
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook until the onion softens, about 3 minutes. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using, stirring well to combine.
- Mix in the Beans and Sauce: Stir in the baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined and heated through, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef and bean mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the mixture out evenly. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for a gooey, melted finish.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and flavorful Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute the baked beans with homemade baked beans for a more personalized flavor.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar and ketchup based on your sweetness preference.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Make sure to drain the excess fat from the cooked beef for a less greasy casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
