There are some dishes that are synonymous with potlucks, barbecues, and comforting family meals, and a great Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole definitely fits the bill. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a robust, flavorful main course that’s incredibly easy to put together and always a hit. Combining savory ground beef with classic baked beans and a tangy-sweet sauce, it’s a casserole that truly satisfies.

Why This Recipe is a Favorite

This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is a favorite for so many reasons. It’s incredibly easy to scale up for a crowd, making it perfect for gatherings, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The flavors are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of tang, with the ground beef adding a satisfying heartiness that elevates it beyond typical baked beans. It’s comforting, full of texture, and creates that wonderful aroma that makes a house feel like a home. Plus, it uses common pantry staples, making it accessible for any cook.

Ingredients

Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need to create this incredibly satisfying Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole, expanding on your provided partial list:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, but recommended)
• 2 cans (16 ounces each) pork and beans, undrained (or your favorite brand of plain baked beans)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark, adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (or Dijon for a sharper tang)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a slight kick)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Swaps and Notes

• Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and sausage for different flavor profiles.
• Beans: While pork and beans are classic, feel free to use other types of baked beans. If using a sweeter variety, you might want to reduce the brown sugar slightly. You can also add a can of drained kidney beans for extra texture.
• Vegetables: Red bell pepper can be used instead of green. Adding a bit of celery, finely diced, can also add depth.
• Sweetness: The brown sugar amount can be adjusted based on your preference for sweetness and the type of baked beans used. Start with less and add more if needed.
• Mustard: Yellow mustard provides the classic tang, but Dijon mustard will give it a slightly more sophisticated, sharper flavor.
• Smoked Paprika/Chili Powder: These spices are optional but highly recommended as they add layers of smoky and savory flavor that truly make the casserole stand out.

Steps for the Recipe

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the Beef & Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. If using, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the undrained pork and beans, undrained diced tomatoes, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika (if using), and chili powder (if using). Stir everything well to combine, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated. Taste the mixture and add salt and black pepper as needed.
4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling hot and slightly thickened. The top should have a slightly set, rich appearance.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Draining the fat from the ground beef is important to prevent the casserole from being greasy.
• Taste Before Baking: Always taste the mixture before it goes into the oven to adjust salt, pepper, and sweetness to your liking.
• Don’t Overcook: The goal is for the flavors to meld and for the casserole to heat through and thicken. Overbaking can dry out the beans.
• Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the sauce set up nicely.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, all-in-one meal, making it perfect as a standalone dish. However, it’s also a classic addition to any barbecue spread or potluck. It pairs wonderfully with:

• Cornbread or cornbread muffins
• Coleslaw or a simple green salad
• Grilled hot dogs or hamburgers
• Pulled pork or grilled chicken

For other comforting and satisfying dishes, consider:

• This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor for another quick and flavorful option.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole stores very well and is often even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, or for a larger amount, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. You might need to add a splash of water or broth if it seems too dry. This casserole also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoy easy, hearty, and crowd-pleasing meals that are perfect for any gathering, check out these other favorites on ChefManiac.com:

• This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers – an absolute hit for parties.
• This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit – another fantastic and easy casserole for dinner.
• This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort – for a deeper dive into comforting, flavorful stews.
• These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast – a genius hack for feeding a hungry group with minimal effort.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is the epitome of comfort food – simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for sharing. It’s a reliable recipe that delivers big on flavor every time, proving that classic dishes never go out of style.

What are your favorite potluck or barbecue dishes? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow ChefManiac.com for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes!