Stepping into the kitchen, the comforting aroma of sizzling ground beef fills the air, instantly transporting me to family dinners from my childhood. Growing up, hearty meals like this Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole were staples that brought everyone together. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a cozy masterpiece, perfect for weeknights or casual get-togethers. With its quick prep time and ability to feed a crowd, this casserole is not only a delicious comfort food but also a great way to use pantry staples without sacrificing flavor. You'll love how the combination of pork and beans, tangy ketchup, and savory spices melds into an irresistible dish. Curious how something so heartwarming can be so easy to throw together? Let’s dive in!
Why is this casserole so comforting?
Warm, Hearty Comfort: The Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is like a hug on a plate, combining savory ground beef and sweet baked beans. Easy-to-Follow Steps: With just a few simple steps, even novice cooks can create this satisfying dish. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole is sure to impress guests. Versatile Base Ingredients: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or spices. Quick and Convenient: It’s ready in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Dive into comforting flavors and enjoy a meal that feels like home!
Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Ingredients
Ready to create a heartwarming dish?
For the Casserole
- Ground beef – adds a savory richness that forms the hearty base of the casserole.
- Onion – diced for sweetness and to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Green bell pepper – adds a touch of crunch and freshness, balancing the dish's richness.
- Pork and beans – provides a sweet and tangy element, a must for this casserole.
- Ketchup – gives a depth of flavor and sweetness that ties the ingredients together.
- Mustard – offers a hint of acidity that cuts through the richness of the meat.
- Worcestershire sauce – infuses umami for an extra layer of delicious complexity.
- Brown sugar – enhances sweetness, perfectly complementing the beans and ketchup.
- Salt – to taste, elevating all the flavors in harmony.
- Black pepper – adds a bit of heat and depth for balanced seasoning.
- Butter – for greasing the dish so nothing sticks, because we want every delicious bite.
Optional Toppings
- Cheese – sprinkle shredded cheese on top before baking for a melty indulgence.
- Green onions – chopped up, they add a fresh garnish and a pop of color at serving.
Now you're ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of this Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). While it heats up, take a 23 x 33 cm (9×13 inch) baking dish and generously grease it with butter, ensuring the surface is slick enough to prevent sticking. This step is essential for the perfect Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole that you’ll easily scoop out later.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a deep skillet over medium heat, add 1 lb of ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir often, allowing the beef to brown evenly until it's no longer pink, which should take about 7–10 minutes. Once done, drain off any excess grease, setting the stage for the flavorful layers to come.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
With the beef cooked, toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Continue cooking for another 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and the pepper softens slightly. This step not only adds flavor but also infuses the dish with beautiful colors, making your Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole irresistible.
Step 4: Mix in the Flavorings
Next, add ½ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons of mustard, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and ¼ cup brown sugar into the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring the beef and vegetables are evenly coated. Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors in your casserole.
Step 5: Fold in the Beans
Reduce the heat and gently fold in the can of undrained pork and beans into your skillet mixture. Carefully stir, taking care to keep the beans intact as they create a deliciously sweet and tangy base for your Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the hearty mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture, ensuring a tender casserole that brings comfort to every bite.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 45 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the casserole is bubbling around the edges and heated through. The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, promising a comforting meal await you.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let your Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes serving easier. Grab a spoon, and dish out this heartwarming casserole that’s sure to please any crowd!
How to Store and Freeze Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the flavors while keeping the casserole fresh.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals.
Covering: Always cover your casserole with foil or a lid while reheating to avoid drying it out, enhancing the savory goodness of your Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole.
What to Serve with Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
A warm and inviting meal like this creates the perfect opportunity to elevate your dining experience.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These fluffy potatoes add a comforting creaminess, balancing the robust flavors of the casserole. It’s a classic pairing that never disappoints.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, garlic bread will soak up all the delightful juices from the casserole, enhancing every spoonful you take.
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Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw offers a crunchy contrast to the dish’s warmth, bringing a zesty bite that complements its richness.
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Roasted Green Beans: The natural sweetness of roasted green beans provides a tender yet crunchy texture, brightening up the meal.
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Cornbread Muffins: Soft and slightly sweet, cornbread muffins provide a satisfying contrast, perfect for mopping up your casserole’s delicious sauce.
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Side Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a fresh, crisp element that balances the hearty casserole.
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Iced Tea: A sweetened iced tea serves as a refreshing sip that cleanses the palate between bites, enhancing your dining experience.
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Apple Crisp: To round off the meal, serve a warm apple crisp. The sweet, cinnamon-infused dessert provides a delightful ending to the comforting dinner.
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic weeknights! You can prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial cooking steps and assembling the dish, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate. This keeps the flavors mingling beautifully while maintaining the quality of the ingredients. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the refrigerator, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cook time. This way, you’ll have a comforting, hearty meal ready with minimal effort, just as delicious as if you made it fresh!
Expert Tips for Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
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Check for Grease: Make sure to drain excess grease from the ground beef; too much can make your casserole oily.
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Customize Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture in your baked beans & ground beef casserole.
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Even Layering: Spread your mixture evenly in the baking dish to ensure consistent cooking throughout, avoiding any undercooked spots.
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Don’t Skip the Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking; this step helps the flavors to settle and improves the serving experience.
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Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bake time; ovens can vary. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Variations
Feel free to tailor this recipe to your taste, making each bite uniquely yours!
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Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for lentils or mushrooms, creating a veggie-packed delight that’s just as hearty.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a flavorful heat that warms you from the inside out.
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Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika or chipotle sauce to infuse a rich, smoky essence into the traditional layers.
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Cheesy Delight: Top with shredded cheese before baking for a gooey, melty topping that takes comfort food to new heights.
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Mexican Twist: Add cumin and black beans instead of pork and beans to create a zesty, southwestern version that’s bursting with flavor.
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Quinoa Boost: Substitute half of the ground beef with cooked quinoa for a protein-packed, nutritious version. It adds a lovely texture!
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving, brightening up the casserole with a fresh taste and vibrant color.
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Sweet Potato Layer: Layer sliced sweet potatoes on the bottom of the dish before adding the mixture for a delicious, nutritious twist that everyone will love.
Each of these variations offers an opportunity to reinvent this classic dish. So grab your apron, experiment with flavors, and let your kitchen fill with the inviting aroma of creativity! If you need more inspiration for hearty meals, be sure to check out easy one-pot meals or explore family-friendly recipes that bring everyone to the table!
Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe FAQs
How can I choose the best ground beef for this casserole?
Absolutely! When selecting ground beef, look for a variety with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio as it strikes the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. Fresh beef should have a bright red color without any off-odors. It’s best if you can grind it freshly or purchase it from a trusted butcher.
What’s the best way to store leftover casserole?
Very! To keep your Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation, which can make it soggy.
Can I freeze the casserole, and if so, how?
Of course! To freeze, let the casserole cool down, then portion it into airtight freezer containers or bags. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, or for a quicker option, microwave it on low until it softens.
What should I do if my casserole is too watery?
No worries! If you find your Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is too watery, try cooking it a bit longer uncovered in the oven for extra moisture to evaporate. Additionally, next time consider draining some of the liquid from the beans before mixing them in to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Indeed! For those with dietary restrictions, consider using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If any guests have allergies, such as to beans or specific sauces like Worcestershire, you can substitute with lactose-free or gluten-free alternatives. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure the dish accommodates your needs and those of your guests.
What type of cheese works best if I want to add it to my casserole?
I often recommend cheddar or Monterey Jack for a lovely melt on top of your casserole. For added flavor, try mixing in some pepper jack or even a sprinkle of mozzarella. Just layer the cheese on top in the last 10 minutes of baking for a bubbly, golden finish!
Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole: Comfort in Every Bite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish with butter.
- Cook 1 lb ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 7–10 minutes, draining excess grease.
- Add diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for another 5–8 minutes until onion is translucent.
- Mix in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, then season with salt and black pepper.
- Fold in the can of undrained pork and beans, stirring carefully.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes until bubbling. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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