Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole – A Hearty, Sweet-and-Savory Comfort Dish

There’s something special about a casserole that fills your home with the smell of sweet barbecue sauce, smoky baked beans, and sizzling beef all melding together in one bubbling pan. This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is a cozy, old-fashioned recipe that turns humble ingredients into a dinner everyone craves. Whether it’s a potluck, a family dinner, or a weekend gathering, this dish has that down-home flavor that makes everyone ask for seconds.

It’s easy to see why this casserole has earned its place in the comfort food hall of fame. The baked beans bring a hint of sweetness and tang, the ground beef adds a hearty richness, and a touch of brown sugar and mustard ties it all together. It’s simple to make, satisfying to eat, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Best of all? It’s made with pantry staples and ready to bake in under 15 minutes of prep time.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 (15 oz) cans baked beans (use your favorite brand)
• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion until browned and crumbly, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
3. Add flavor: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Combine ingredients: Add baked beans, ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
5. Transfer to dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Add cheese (optional): Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top if you’d like a melty, golden finish.
7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and hot throughout.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Tips & Tricks:

• For extra depth of flavor, use a mix of half ground beef and half ground sausage.
• Like it smoky? Add a few slices of cooked, crumbled bacon to the mixture before baking.
• Make it spicy by stirring in a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• If you want a thicker texture, reduce one can of baked beans and cook the mixture for an extra 5 minutes before baking.

Variations:

• Cowboy Beans Casserole: Add diced green bell pepper and a few slices of cooked bacon for a Western-style version.
• Topped with Biscuits: Spoon biscuit dough on top before baking for a “sloppy joe meets casserole” comfort meal.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the beef and use a mix of pinto and black beans with diced mushrooms for a meat-free twist.
• Sweet & Tangy Style: Replace half of the barbecue sauce with apple cider vinegar and a bit of honey for a tangier flavor.

Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

A hearty, sweet-and-savory casserole made with baked beans, ground beef, and a tangy barbecue sauce blend — perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cans (15 oz each) baked beans
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional topping
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet until browned; drain grease.
3. Add garlic, baked beans, ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer mixture to baking dish and top with cheese if desired.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbling. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, mix in cooked bacon or ground sausage. Delicious served with cornbread or salad.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve this casserole straight from the oven with classic sides like cornbread, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. It also pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or buttery Texas toast. For a cookout-style meal, serve it alongside grilled hot dogs or burgers — it’s hearty enough to double as a main or side dish.

Storage Information:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes per serving. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I use canned pork and beans instead of baked beans?
Absolutely — just add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar and barbecue sauce to balance the sweetness.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
Yes, they’re great lean alternatives, though the flavor will be slightly lighter.

Should I cover it while baking?
No need to cover — you want the top to caramelize slightly for that perfect baked finish.

History / Fun Facts:
Casseroles like this one rose to popularity in the mid-20th century when families wanted budget-friendly, easy-to-make meals that could stretch ingredients and feed a crowd. Baked beans, a staple in American kitchens since the colonial era, have roots in Native American cooking, where beans were slowly baked with maple syrup and fat. The combination of baked beans and ground beef became a favorite during backyard gatherings and potlucks in the 1950s, often called “Cowboy Beans” or “Calico Beans.” Today, this hearty casserole remains a beloved comfort dish that never goes out of style.