Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

A baked beans and ground beef casserole brings everyone to the table. This dish is easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is full of classic comfort food flavor.

The mix of hearty beef, sweet baked beans, and rich seasonings makes a meal that both kids and adults enjoy. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend get-together, this ground beef casserole fits right in.

Layers of savory meat, tender beans, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and ketchup combine for a dish that feels both familiar and special. For an easy and satisfying dinner, many families choose this casserole as a go-to favorite.

Anyone looking for a cozy home-cooked meal will find baked beans and ground beef casserole simple and rewarding. Try it for your next family dinner and see why it stands out among classic casseroles.

For more ideas and tips, check out the details at Recipestasteful.

Why You Will Love Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

This casserole brings classic comfort food right to the dinner table. The combination of baked beans and ground beef creates a hearty main course, perfect for anyone looking for an easy meal after a long day.

Families appreciate that it’s simple to make and uses inexpensive ingredients. Most of these pantry staples are already in the kitchen, cutting down on grocery trips.

It can be made ahead and baked when needed, making it ideal for reliable weeknight dinners.

Feature	Why It Matters
Savory and sweet	The mix of beef, beans, and brown sugar appeals to kids and adults alike.
Meal prepping	Leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Flexible	It’s easy to adjust with different beans or veggies.

Hearty and filling, each bite offers a balanced blend of protein and fiber. It’s satisfying enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs nicely with classic sides like cornbread or salad.

For gatherings and potlucks, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It travels well and can be doubled for bigger groups.

With its straightforward method, this casserole is a popular pick for both new and experienced home cooks. The oven does most of the work, leaving more time for relaxing with family.

How To Make Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

This dish mixes hearty ground beef with sweet and tangy baked beans for a comforting casserole. Smoked paprika, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce add great flavor.

Ingredients

Baked beans and ground beef are the stars of this casserole. For the best flavor, use canned pork and beans, as they are already seasoned and blend well with the beef.

A medium yellow onion and a diced green bell pepper add savory notes. To balance the sweetness, use brown sugar and ketchup.

Worcestershire sauce and mustard bring a tangy undertone. Smoked paprika is optional but gives a subtle savory depth.

Salt and black pepper round out the flavor.

Ingredient List:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 2 (15 oz) cans pork and beans (undrained)
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Instruments

Use a large skillet to brown the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper. This helps the vegetables soften and the beef cook evenly.

A 9 x 13-inch baking dish is ideal for baking the casserole. A spatula or meat chopper makes stirring and breaking up the ground beef easier.

Measuring cups and spoons keep each ingredient accurate. Foil or a fitted lid covers the casserole in the oven.

Use a cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping the vegetables.

Step By Step Instruction

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat the baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray.

Brown the ground beef in the skillet on medium heat until no pink remains. Add diced onion and green bell pepper.

Cook until the veggies are soft, then drain excess grease. Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.

Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Pour in the pork and beans with their juice.

Stir until everything is combined. Move the mixture to the baking dish and spread it evenly.

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. When it’s bubbling and hot, it’s ready to serve.

For more steps, visit this baked beans and ground beef casserole guide.

Tips & Tricks

For a lighter meal, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken. Always drain excess grease after browning the meat to keep the casserole from turning out too oily.

Dice onions and bell peppers into small, even pieces. This helps them cook evenly and blend better into the dish.

Don’t overmix when stirring in the beans. Gentle mixing keeps the beans whole and preserves the casserole’s texture.

Taste the mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Since canned baked beans come seasoned, sometimes less salt is needed.

Try adding extra seasonings like smoked paprika or a little hot sauce for more flavor. These can bring out a smoky or spicy touch.

A cheesy topping adds richness. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top in the last ten minutes of baking for a melted, golden finish.

The casserole can be assembled ahead and stored in the fridge. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, just adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. They also freeze well for future meals.

If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed crackers or fried onions over the cheese before baking for a tasty texture twist.

Ingredient Substitute

Swapping ingredients is easy when making baked beans and ground beef casserole. If pork and beans are not available, black beans are a sturdy choice.

They offer a firmer texture and are full of fiber.

Original Ingredient	Substitute Options
Pork and beans	Black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans
Ground beef	Ground turkey, ground chicken, plant-based crumbles
Bell pepper	Jalapeño, poblano, zucchini
Ketchup	Tomato sauce, BBQ sauce
Worcestershire sauce	Soy sauce, A1 steak sauce

Pork and beans add a classic sweet and savory flavor. If you use black beans instead, drain and rinse before adding, and consider adding a little extra brown sugar or molasses for sweetness.

If ground beef isn’t available, ground turkey or plant-based substitutes cook in the same way and blend well with the sauce and seasonings.

Diced jalapeños or poblano peppers can be swapped for green bell pepper for extra spice. Zucchini works for a milder taste.

Instead of ketchup, tomato sauce or BBQ sauce gives a rich, tangy twist. Soy sauce or A1 steak sauce brings a similar depth of flavor if Worcestershire sauce isn’t on hand.

These simple changes keep the dish easy and flexible for different tastes or pantry needs.

What To Serve With Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is filling and flavorful. Sides should add contrast and freshness.

A crisp green salad is always a good partner. The fresh greens and light dressing cut through the richness of the casserole.

Consider spinach, romaine, or a spring mix topped with cucumber and cherry tomatoes. For something classic and comforting, cornbread works very well.

Slight sweetness from the cornbread balances the smoky, savory casserole. Soft dinner rolls or a crusty baguette are also favorite choices for scooping up extra sauce.

If you want more veggies on the table, try grilled or steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli. The mild flavors of these sides don’t compete with the main dish and add a nice color contrast.

At summertime potlucks or cookouts, coleslaw is a popular pick. Its crunchy texture and tangy dressing provide a cool pairing for the warm, hearty casserole.

Potato salad is another classic item at gatherings and blends nicely.

Side Dish	Why It Works
Green Salad	Light, fresh, adds crunch
Cornbread	Sweet flavor, soaks up sauce
Coleslaw	Cool, crisp, tangy
Grilled Vegetables	Adds color, mild and healthy
Potato Salad	Creamy, crowd-pleasing at potlucks

Get more tips at this baked bean casserole side dish guide.

How To Store Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

Let the casserole cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and soggy texture.

Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container or wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure the lid or wrap seals well to lock in moisture and flavor.

Refrigerator:
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Place the casserole in a visible spot to remind everyone it’s ready to heat and eat.

Freezer:
Freeze portions for longer storage. Place cooled servings in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label each with the date.

The casserole can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

Storage Method	Container Type	Maximum Duration
Refrigerator	Airtight container/wrap	4 days
Freezer	Freezer-safe container	3 months

To reheat, thaw frozen casserole in the fridge overnight. Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave smaller portions for quicker results.

Never leave the casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can lead to bacteria growth.

For more details about safe storage and reheating, check out the guide from Lets Cook.

Nutrition Fact In List Form

Each serving of Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is filling and balanced. Here are the key nutrition facts for a standard serving size.

• Calories: About 380–420 calories per serving depending on ingredients.
• Protein: Roughly 17–18 grams per serving.
• Fat: Typically 11–12 grams of fat per serving.
• Carbohydrates: Around 35 grams of carbs.
• Sugar: About 12–18 grams, mostly from baked beans and ketchup.
• Fiber: 5–8 grams of dietary fiber.
• Sodium: Usually 800–1000 mg, depending on your choice of beans and sauces.

For a quick nutrition overview, see the table below.

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	380–420
Protein	17–18g
Fat	11–12g
Carbohydrates	35g
Sugar	12–18g
Fiber	5–8g
Sodium	800–1000mg

Actual values depend on brands and ingredient amounts. You can use low-sugar ketchup or unsweetened beans to lower sugar and sodium. Find more details at Cook with Sozan.

The casserole offers protein from ground beef, carbs from beans and sauces, and fiber for digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baked beans and ground beef casserole is simple to make. Small tips can help improve the dish.

Common questions cover methods, variations, prep steps, and serving ideas.

How can I make an old-fashioned baked beans and ground beef casserole?

First, cook ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet until the beef browns. Drain the grease.

Add canned baked beans, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and mild seasoning. Mix well.

Bake in a greased dish at 350°F until bubbly. For more details and ingredient suggestions, visit this step-by-step guide.

What are some easy variations for a baked beans and ground beef casserole recipe?

Try ground turkey or sausage instead of beef. Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for extra flavor.

Spice it up with chili powder or hot sauce. For a crunchy topping, use shredded cheese, crispy onions, or crushed crackers before baking.

Find more ideas for tasty casserole variations.

Is it necessary to drain canned baked beans before using them in a casserole?

You do not need to drain the beans. The sauce adds moisture and flavor.

Stir the beans before adding them to your mix.

What sides pair well with a baked beans and ground beef casserole?

Cornbread, coleslaw, green salads, or roasted vegetables make good sides. These options balance the casserole’s hearty flavors.

Bread is also great for soaking up extra sauce.

Can bacon be added to a baked beans and ground beef casserole, and if so, how?

Bacon adds saltiness and a smoky taste. Cook and chop the bacon, then stir it into the mixture before baking.

You can also layer partially cooked bacon slices on top and bake until crispy. Both methods add flavor and texture.

How do you incorporate brown sugar into baked beans with ground beef for added sweetness?

Stir brown sugar into the bean and beef mixture along with the other sauces and seasonings just before baking. Start with about 2 tablespoons, and add more if you like extra sweetness.

This step gives the casserole a sweet, tangy flavor as it bakes. For more flavor tips, check out this helpful beans and beef casserole recipe.