This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal that brings together savory ground beef, sweet baked beans, and a tangy, smoky sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or gatherings, packed with protein and a satisfying balance of flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Dish Meal: Minimal prep and cleanup make this a hassle-free dinner option.
- Sweet & Savory Flavor: The combination of baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard creates a rich, balanced taste.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients while feeding a family.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 (15 oz) cans vegetarian baked beans (or regular baked beans without meat)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions
Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Cook the Ground Beef
- In a deep skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened. Drain any excess grease.
Tip: Substitute half of the bell pepper with jalapeño or poblano for a spicier kick.
Add the Seasonings
- Stir in the ketchup, then add mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
- Mix well and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the Beans
- Stir in the baked beans with their juice, mixing carefully until fully combined.
Assemble and Bake
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with cornbread or rice!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Cheesy Version: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking.
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with cornbread, rice, roasted veggies, or a side salad.
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes! Try using kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans for variety.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the beef and onions first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours.
How do I make this dish lower in sugar?
Reduce the brown sugar or swap it for a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit.
What type of mustard works best?
Yellow mustard is classic, but Dijon mustard adds a more tangy depth.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger casserole dish and adjust baking time slightly if needed.
How can I thicken the casserole?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes before baking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Simply use oil instead of butter for greasing the dish.
Conclusion
This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is a classic, easy-to-make comfort food that brings together bold, sweet, and savory flavors in one dish. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks, it’s a satisfying and budget-friendly meal that everyone will love!
Print
Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, budget-friendly dish packed with savory beef, sweet baked beans, and tangy seasonings. A perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights, this easy casserole is full of comforting flavors and makes a delicious family dinner. Serve it with cornbread or rice for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 (15 oz) cans vegetarian baked beans (or regular baked beans without meat)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- In a deep skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Tip: Substitute half of the bell pepper with jalapeño or poblano for extra heat.
3. Add the Seasonings
- Stir in the ketchup and mix to combine.
- Add mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, stirring again.
- Taste for seasoning and add salt and black pepper as needed.
4. Add the Beans
- Stir in the baked beans (with their juice) until everything is well combined.
5. Assemble & Bake
- Pour the beef and baked bean mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra spice, swap green bell pepper for jalapeño or add hot sauce.
- For a smoky flavor, mix in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- For a cheesier casserole, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking.
- To make it a full meal, serve with cornbread, rice, or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
