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

Scale

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)

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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.