Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a hearty, cozy dish that wraps up all the best comfort flavors in one warm embrace, this Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the rich savoriness of browned ground beef with the sweet and tangy notes from baked beans and a medley of simple pantry staples, this casserole is the perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks. Each bite delivers a beautiful balance of meaty, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors that feels like a hug in food form. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Not only are the ingredients for this casserole straightforward, but each one plays an essential role in building the dish’s wonderful flavor, texture, and heartiness. From the juicy ground beef to the sweet tang of ketchup and the rich encouragement of Worcestershire sauce, you’ll be amazed at how these simple components come together to create such magic.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the savory, meaty foundation that makes this casserole satisfyingly hearty.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced: Brings a vibrant crunch and a subtle peppery flavor.
- 1 cup ketchup: Infuses a tangy sweetness that brightens the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon mustard: Offers a gentle sharpness to balance the sweetness.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Adds a rich caramel-like sweetness that melds perfectly with the savory beef.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami, lending a deep, complex flavor.
- 2 (15 oz) cans vegetarian baked beans: Ensure you get that classic baked bean texture and sweet-savory blend.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all flavors into harmony.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Used to grease the baking dish, preventing sticking and adding a subtle richness.
How to Make Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the butter to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly tender and easy to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a deep skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. This is where the rich meaty flavor develops, providing the backbone for this delightful casserole.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Bell Pepper
Add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper to the beef. Cook until the vegetables soften and their natural sweetness emerges. This step builds layers of flavor and adds a gentle crunch that balances the softness of the beans.
Step 4: Mix in the Sauces and Sugar
Stir in the ketchup, then add the mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients elevate the dish with their tangy, sweet, and umami qualities, creating a luscious sauce that clings to every bite.
Step 5: Season and Add the Baked Beans
Taste the mixture and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Finally, stir in the vegetarian baked beans along with their juice, combining everything into one harmonious mixture.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover with foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, allowing all those flavors to marry beautifully and the casserole to warm through completely.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. This little pause helps the casserole set, making it easier to slice and serve while enhancing the overall eating experience.
How to Serve Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving for a burst of color and a hint of freshness that brightens the dish. A dash of shredded cheddar cheese melted on top can also take this casserole to the next level of indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables to balance the rich, hearty flavors. Cornbread or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic options to scoop up every last bit of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in small oven-safe ramekins. This not only looks charming but also makes it easier to portion out servings, perfect for entertaining guests or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. Just be sure to cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When frozen, it maintains quality for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy this comforting dish anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly, around 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick lunch or dinner fix.
FAQs
Can I use regular baked beans with meat for this casserole?
Absolutely, but since the ground beef already provides plenty of meatiness, vegetarian baked beans help keep the flavors balanced without being too heavy. If you prefer canned baked beans with meat, it will still taste delicious!
Is there a way to add spice to this Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe?
Definitely! You can substitute half the bell pepper with jalapeño or poblano peppers to introduce a gentle heat that complements the sweetness nicely without overpowering the dish.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the Worcestershire sauce and baked beans you use are gluten-free certified, this casserole will be safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
What can I do if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a small pinch of vinegar can provide a similar depth and umami flavor.
How can I make this casserole more veggie-packed?
Feel free to add extra vegetables like diced carrots, corn, or mushrooms when sautéing the onion and bell pepper. Just cook them until tender to maintain the perfect texture balance.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe enough for anyone looking for a satisfying, tasty, and easy-to-make meal. It’s one of those dishes that feels like homemade comfort at its best — simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a result that brings smiles around the dinner table. Give it a try, and get ready to add a new favorite into your recipe collection!
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Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty and flavorful Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole that’s perfect for a comforting family meal. This recipe combines savory ground beef, sweet and tangy baked beans, and aromatic vegetables baked together to create a delicious casserole baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Other
- 2 (15 oz) cans vegetarian baked beans (or regular baked beans without meat)
- 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the dish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a deep skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, then drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the ketchup until well combined with the beef and vegetables. Then add the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, stirring well to incorporate all flavors.
- Season the Mixture: Taste the mixture and add salt and black pepper to your preference, ensuring a balanced, flavorful base.
- Add Baked Beans: Stir in the two cans of baked beans (including the juice) until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the beef and baked bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the dish to heat through thoroughly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the foil and let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to portion.
Notes
- For extra heat, substitute half of the green bell pepper with jalapeño or poblano peppers.
- You can use regular baked beans that contain meat, but vegetarian baked beans keep the dish leaner.
- Make sure to drain excess grease after cooking the beef and vegetables for a less oily casserole.
- The casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking to save time on serving day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
