If you’re in the mood for a no-fuss, cozy dinner that brings back childhood memories, Baked Beans and Ground Beef Casserole is the way to go. This dish is the ultimate comfort food — rich, hearty, a little sweet, a little smoky, and super satisfying. It’s the kind of weeknight meal that’s not just easy to throw together but also guaranteed to please a hungry crowd.
Whether you’re feeding your family, meal-prepping for the week, or showing up to a potluck with something everyone will fight over — this easy casserole recipe has your back. It’s got bold flavor, budget-friendly ingredients, and that nostalgic baked-bean goodness.
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a hit for so many reasons:
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🕒 Quick and easy – One skillet and one casserole dish, that’s it.
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💵 Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples like canned baked beans and ground beef.
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🍽️ Crowd-pleasing – Sweet, smoky, savory, and just a little tangy.
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🧊 Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably already have most of this in your kitchen:
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1 pound ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cans (16 oz each) baked beans (Bush’s works great!)
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½ cup barbecue sauce
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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1 tablespoon yellow mustard
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Optional: shredded cheese, cooked bacon, green onions for topping
✅ Want extra flavor? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce!
👩🍳 How to Make Baked Beans and Ground Beef Casserole
This is truly a no-fail recipe. Here’s how it comes together:
Step 1 – Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2 – Add the Flavor
Stir in the baked beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and seasonings. Mix it all up until everything’s coated and simmering.
Step 3 – Bake to Perfection
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with shredded cheese or bacon if you’d like. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
🧀 Topping Ideas to Take It Up a Notch
Want to level it up a bit? Try these optional toppings before baking:
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Crispy bacon crumbles – for a smoky crunch
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Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack – melts beautifully
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Crushed buttery crackers or fried onions – for texture
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Chopped scallions or parsley – adds color and freshness
📦 Storage Tips
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To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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To reheat: Microwave individual servings or warm the entire dish in the oven at 300°F.
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To freeze: Let the casserole cool completely, then freeze it for up to 2 months.
🧡 What to Serve With Baked Bean Casserole
This dish is pretty filling on its own, but here are some perfect sides:
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Cornbread or dinner rolls
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Coleslaw for crunch and tang
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Steamed green beans or roasted veggies
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Pickles or potato chips for a salty side
💡 Variations You Can Try
Love the base recipe? You can mix it up in all kinds of delicious ways:
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Add sausage – Swap out some beef for cooked sausage
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Make it spicy – Add jalapeños or use spicy BBQ sauce
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Use turkey or chicken – A leaner option that still tastes great
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Go Tex-Mex – Add corn, black beans, and taco seasoning, then top with cheddar!
❓ FAQ – Quick Answers for Hungry Cooks
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to eat.
What’s the best kind of baked beans to use?
Bush’s Original or Brown Sugar Hickory are favorites, but any brand with rich flavor works.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Totally! Just let it cool first, wrap it well, and freeze up to 2 months.
🥄 Final Bite – This One’s a Keeper!
Baked Beans and Ground Beef Casserole is a simple, satisfying dish that checks all the boxes — easy to make, big on flavor, family-approved, and ready to serve in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a comforting dinner at home, this casserole is always a win.
Add it to your recipe rotation, bookmark it for your next potluck, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds (and the recipe). 💯
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