Warning: This savory, sweet, and smoky casserole is the ultimate one-dish wonder—loaded with tender ground beef, rich baked beans, and a crispy cheese topping. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and feeds a crowd with minimal effort!
Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day feasts, this casserole is stick-to-your-ribs delicious and always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
. One-pan meal – Easy prep, easy cleanup
. Sweet, smoky & savory – The perfect flavor combo
. Feeds a crowd – Great for family dinners or parties
. Customizable – Add veggies, spice it up, or swap meats
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6-8)
. For the Casserole:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (15 oz) cans baked beans (or pork and beans)
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
. For the Topping:
1½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup (50g) crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
(Optional add-ins: 1 cup corn, diced bacon, or jalapeños for heat!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Mix the Sauce
Add baked beans, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Assemble & Bake
Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Top with shredded cheese and crushed crackers (if using).
Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
Let cool 5 minutes, then serve with cornbread, salad, or mashed potatoes.
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole
. Extra smoky flavor? Add ½ tsp liquid smoke or cooked bacon.
. More cheese? Mix ½ cup into the filling before baking.
. Spicy kick? Stir in 1 tsp chili powder or diced jalapeños.
. No crackers? Use crushed potato chips or French fried onions for crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble (unbaked) and refrigerate overnight—add 5-10 extra minutes to bake time.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for 2 months.
Can I use dried beans?
Yes! Cook 1 cup dried beans first, then use in place of canned.
Serving Ideas
. Comfort food feast: Pair with cornbread and coleslaw
. Taco twist: Serve with tortilla chips for dipping
. Lighter option: Add a side salad
Final Thoughts
This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is hearty, flavorful, and foolproof—the kind of dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Warning: You’ll be asked to make this on repeat!
