Hearty Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

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A comforting, sweet-and-savory dish that’s perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or game day gatherings

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

✔️ Rich, hearty flavor – Sweet brown sugar balances tangy ketchup and Worcestershire
✔️ One-pan wonder – Easy to make with minimal cleanup
✔️ Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for feeding a hungry family
✔️ Better than canned beans – Homemade taste with juicy ground beef

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cans (28 oz total) baked beans (or 3 cups homemade)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Optional Add-Ins

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (for depth)
  • 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled (for extra smokiness)
  • 1 jalapeño, diced (for heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef & Veggies

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).

2. Mix the Sauce

  1. In a bowl, whisk together:
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Brown sugar
  • Worcestershire sauce
    (Add smoked paprika here if using)

3. Combine & Bake

  1. Stir in baked beans and sauce mixture with the beef and veggies.
  2. Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish (or keep in an oven-safe skillet).
  3. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
  • Top with crumbled bacon if desired.

Serving Suggestions

✅ Classic Pairing – Cornbread or buttery biscuits
✅ Potluck Style – Serve straight from the dish with a spoon
✅ Loaded Version – Top with shredded cheddar cheese & sliced green onions
✅ Meal Prep – Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days

Pro Tips

🔸 For extra flavor, sauté the onions and peppers in 1 tbsp bacon grease instead of draining all the beef fat.
🔸 Slow Cooker Option – Combine everything and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
🔸 Spice it up – Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

Why This Beats Canned Baked Beans

This casserole takes ordinary baked beans to the next level with:

  • Juicy ground beef for extra protein
  • Fresh veggies for texture
  • Homemade sauce that’s not overly sweet
  • Crispy edges from baking (the best part!)

Warm, comforting, and always a hit! 🍖🔥

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