There’s something about this dish that always reminds me of big family gatherings. Growing up, casseroles like this were a staple at potlucks and Sunday dinners—hearty, simple, and made to feed a crowd. The sweet and smoky baked beans mixed with savory ground beef feels like comfort in a dish. It’s the kind of meal you can count on to bring people to the table and keep them going back for seconds.

Recipe Info

Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories: ~420 per serving

Why You’ll Love It

✅ Budget-friendly and filling
✅ Smoky, sweet, and savory all in one bite
✅ Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or weeknights
✅ Easy to make ahead and reheat

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) baked beans
½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional topping)

Equipment

Large skillet
9×13-inch casserole dish
Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Cook the Beef

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.

Step 2 – Mix the Filling

Stir in baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and paprika.
Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 3 – Bake

Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish.
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, if using.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 4 – Serve

Let cool slightly. Serve warm with cornbread, biscuits, or a green salad.

Pro Tips

Add crispy bacon on top before baking for extra smoky flavor.
Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a tangier taste.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you want some spice.
Flavors are even better the next day, so leftovers are a win.

Variations

Southwest Style: Add corn and black beans.
Hearty Twist: Mix in cooked pasta or rice.
Sweet & Spicy: Add hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
Vegetarian Version: Swap beef for plant-based ground or extra veggies.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes—assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Q: Can it be frozen?
Absolutely. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven.

Q: What’s the best cheese for topping?
Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack also work.