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
Scale
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
