Description
This hearty Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners. It combines savory ground beef, flavorful baked beans, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection, delivering rich taste with a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans (or 3 cups homemade baked beans)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Essentials
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
- Mix in the Beans and Sauce: Stir in the baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything until well combined and heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef and bean mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra beans and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- If using homemade baked beans, make sure they are well-seasoned to enhance flavor.
- Feel free to add a bit of chili powder or smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
