Easy Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

If there’s one dinner I pull out when I want guaranteed smiles around the table, it’s this Easy Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole. Imagine a hearty, beefy base mingling with sweet, tangy beans and topped with gooey, golden cheddar—every spoonful is a flavor-packed comfort bomb. The prep is wonderfully simple and fast, yet every layer brings a burst of savory satisfaction, making it a weekday hero or an easy win for potlucks and weekend family feasts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long ingredient list to make something crave-worthy—just the right building blocks that work their magic when simmered and baked together. Each of these easy staples adds to the taste, coziness, or golden color that makes Easy Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole unforgettable.

• Ground Beef (1 lb): The heart of the casserole, giving it rich, meaty substance and flavor.
• Medium Onion, diced: Adds mellow sweetness and a subtle crunch that lifts the whole dish.
• Pork and Beans (1 can, 16 oz): The classic casserole shortcut—saucy, sweet, and packed with comforting nostalgia.
• Barbecue Sauce (1/2 cup): Brings a smoky tang that makes each bite sing.
• Ketchup (1/4 cup): Adds gentle acidity and sweetness, perfect for rounding out the sauce.
• Yellow Mustard (1 tbsp): Just a spoonful perks up the whole casserole with gentle zing.
• Brown Sugar (1 tbsp): Works its caramel magic, enhancing the savory and smoky notes.
• Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): A touch of garlic flavor without the fuss of mincing.
• Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Resinous sharpness to balance the sweetness.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Brings all the flavors into harmony—but taste as you go since the beans add some salt, too.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts into a golden, bubbling layer that finishes the dish on a high note.

How to Make Easy Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set the stage for casserole success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This even heat ensures the cheese melts perfectly and the filling becomes irresistibly bubbly.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine your ground beef and diced onion. Stir and break up the beef as you go, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent and the beef loses any pinkness. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat to keep your Easy Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole from getting greasy.

Step 3: Combine the Filling

To your skillet of beef and onion, add the pork and beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s gloriously saucy and well mixed—expect an aroma that might draw the family into the kitchen early!

Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Pour your fragrant casserole mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite later on gets its fair share of beans and beef.

Step 5: Top with Cheese

Generously sprinkle a full cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This will melt and turn irresistibly bubbly and golden as it bakes, crowning your casserole with creamy richness.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for about 30-35 minutes or until you see those beautiful bubbles around the edges and the cheese is mouthwateringly melted.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Patience is rewarded here—let the casserole rest for at least five minutes before scooping it up. This brief pause helps everything set, making serving easier and every portion perfectly textured.

How to Serve Easy Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions brightens up the top and adds a pop of color against the rich, bubbling cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, a spoonful of pickled jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce makes the casserole come alive for spice lovers.

Side Dishes

This Easy Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw keeps the meal refreshing and balanced. Don’t forget a basket of warm cornbread or crusty garlic bread—perfect for sopping up all those delicious saucy bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks, portion the casserole into individual ramekins for a personal touch, or spoon it over baked potatoes for a fun twist on a classic. If you’re serving kids, try using a mini muffin tin to bake bite-sized casserole cups—they’re perfectly portioned for little hands!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Easy Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, making it a dreamy option for packable lunches or busy weeknight repeats.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, just let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place portions in freezer-safe containers. It stays delicious for up to two months and makes a fantastic make-ahead dinner for surprise guests!

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. For a quicker fix, microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to evenly distribute the heat and cheese.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey offers a lighter option while still providing lots of protein. The flavors from the beans, sauces, and cheese mean you won’t sacrifice any deliciousness—just make sure to season well.

Do I need to use pork and beans, or can I try another variety?

While pork and beans are traditional for that classic sweet-savory backdrop, you can easily swap in any baked beans or even a combo of black and pinto beans if you prefer a different taste or texture.

Is it possible to make Easy Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What can I do if I don’t have barbecue sauce?

No barbecue sauce? No problem! Add a little extra ketchup, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic the smokiness and tang. It’ll still taste fantastic.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply double-check your barbecue sauce, beans, and ketchup labels, as some brands use wheat-based thickeners. Otherwise, this casserole is easy to adapt for gluten-free eaters.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Easy Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is a staple in my kitchen—it’s quick, reliable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give this cozy classic a try the next time you want to wow your crew with something both familiar and totally irresistible!

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