A comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings. This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, smoky bacon, and tangy baked beans, all topped with gooey cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience!
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Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
This casserole is packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and sure to please the entire family.
The balance of savory ground beef, sweet baked beans, and smoky bacon makes every bite delicious. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd without too much hassle. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck dish, this casserole is sure to become a favorite!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Hearty and comforting, this Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, baked beans, crispy bacon, and melted cheese for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare. Perfect for family gatherings or a simple dinner at home!
Equipment
• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Cutting board & knife
• Mixing spoon
Ingredients
• 1 lb ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15 oz) cans baked beans (or one large 28 oz can)
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup French fried onions (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef and Bacon
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2️⃣ In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet, crumble, and set aside.
3️⃣ In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Build the Casserole
4️⃣ Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until softened.
5️⃣ Stir in the baked beans, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Assemble and Bake
6️⃣ Pour the beef and bean mixture into a 9×13-inch greased baking dish.
7️⃣ Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
8️⃣ Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Add the Topping
9️⃣ Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and French fried onions on top.
🔟 Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the topping.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once the casserole is done, let it cool slightly before serving. Pair with cornbread, biscuits, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
• For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mix.
• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply bake when ready.
• Top with other cheeses: Feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor twist.
Enjoy your Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole – a comforting, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion!