Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

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Oh boy, let me tell you about my favorite comfort food: Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole! This dish brings back such warm memories of family gatherings and cozy nights at home. I remember my mom whipping this up on chilly evenings, filling the house with that mouthwatering aroma of sweet and tangy goodness. It’s one of those recipes that just feels like a big hug on a plate!

This casserole is not only hearty and satisfying, but it also packs a punch with its rich flavors. The combination of ground beef and baked beans creates a delightful balance of savory and sweet. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a potluck, and trust me, it’ll be the star of the table. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!

Why You’ll Love Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is the definition of comfort food! It’s warm, filling, and oh-so-satisfying, making it the perfect dish for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Imagine sitting around the table, laughter filling the air, as you dig into this hearty casserole that everyone will love. Seriously, it’s bound to become a staple in your home, just like it did in mine!

What I adore most about this dish is its incredible versatility. You can whip it up for a quick weeknight meal or serve it at a potluck where it’ll definitely steal the show. The sweet and tangy flavor profile, thanks to the ketchup and brown sugar, combined with the savory richness of the ground beef, creates a symphony of taste that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s so easy to customize! Whether you want to throw in some extra veggies or turn up the spice with jalapeños, the options are endless. Trust me, once you try this casserole, you’ll find yourself making it time and time again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Now, let’s gather the ingredients for this hearty Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole! You’ll find that they’re pretty straightforward and easy to work with. Here’s what you need:

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef: This is the star of the show! Choose a good quality ground beef, preferably around 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for that perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
• 1 green bell pepper, diced: A pop of color and crunch! Make sure to chop it into small pieces so it softens nicely when cooked.
• 1 yellow onion, diced: This adds a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor. Don’t worry about the tears; the taste is worth it!
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional): If you like a bit of heat, throw this in! Just remember to remove the seeds to tone down the spice if you prefer it milder.
• 30 oz can pork and beans (undrained): This is the heart of the casserole, bringing that classic baked bean flavor. You can use your favorite brand or even try a vegetarian version if you prefer!
• 1 tbsp salted butter: This is for dotting on top before baking, adding a beautiful richness as it melts into the casserole.

Flavor Enhancers

• 1 cup ketchup: The sweet and tangy base of our casserole! It’s what brings everything together and creates that comforting flavor. Don’t skimp on this!
• ½ cup brown sugar: This adds a lovely sweetness that perfectly balances the savory ingredients. Light or dark brown sugar works, but I personally love the depth that dark brown sugar brings.
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce: This magical ingredient adds a savory umami kick that elevates the overall flavor profile. Trust me, it’s worth including!
• 1 tsp yellow mustard: Just a touch for that tangy kick! It might sound unusual, but it truly enhances the flavor. You won’t taste it distinctly, but you’ll notice something delicious!

These ingredients come together to create an unforgettable casserole that’s both hearty and flavorful. You’ll be amazed at how this simple combination transforms into something so delightful! Now that we have everything we need, let’s move on to cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Ingredients

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures that your casserole bakes evenly. While that’s happening, let’s get our veggies ready! Dice up that green bell pepper and yellow onion; I like to make them nice and small so they mix in beautifully. If you’re adding a jalapeño for a little kick, make sure to seed it and dice it as well. The spice level is totally up to you!

Cooking the Beef Mixture

Now, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add in your pound of ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. You’ll want to brown it until it’s fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally to get all sides nice and brown. Once it’s looking good, toss in the diced green bell pepper, yellow onion, and jalapeño. Cook everything together for another 3-5 minutes, or until the veggies are softened and the onions are translucent. Wow, that smell is heavenly, right?

Next, stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. This is where the magic happens! Mix everything until it’s well combined. Then, add in the can of pork and beans (don’t drain it!) and give it a good stir. You want all those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Baking the Casserole

Once everything is mixed, it’s time to transfer this delicious mixture into a baking dish. I usually use a 9×13-inch dish, but any casserole dish will do. Just spread it out evenly in the dish. To top it off, dot the mixture with tablespoons of salted butter — this adds such a lovely richness as it bakes. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until it’s bubbling and golden on top. Trust me, your patience will be rewarded with an irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Variations

One of the best things about this Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is how easy it is to customize! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not switch up the ingredients a bit? For instance, you can try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option—just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly.

If you want to amp up the veggie content, consider adding in some corn, diced tomatoes, or even shredded carrots. They blend perfectly into the mixture and add a nice texture! For spice lovers, don’t hesitate to throw in some crushed red pepper flakes or even diced green chilies along with the jalapeño for an extra kick.

Also, think about topping your casserole with shredded cheese before baking. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully on top, creating a deliciously gooey layer. You can even sprinkle some crispy bacon bits or crispy fried onions on top right before serving for that extra crunch! The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine and make this casserole your own!

Serving and Storage Tips

When it comes to serving your Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole, the options are plentiful! I love to serve it piping hot straight from the oven, ideally with a side of warm cornbread to soak up all that delicious, saucy goodness. It’s also fantastic with a simple green salad on the side to balance out the heartiness of the casserole. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top brings a nice touch of freshness!

Now, let’s talk storage! If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), you can store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through. If you want to keep it longer, this casserole freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven. Trust me, it’ll taste just as good as the first time around!

Helpful Notes

Here are a few handy tips to make your Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole even better! If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, feel free to swap out the ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken. Just remember that the cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it!

If you’re aiming for a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based ground beef or even lentils for that hearty texture. And don’t hesitate to mix in some black beans or kidney beans for added protein and flavor! For those watching their sugar intake, you can reduce the brown sugar or even use a sugar substitute that measures 1:1, like monk fruit sweetener.

Lastly, if you want to make this dish gluten-free, just ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten. With these simple adjustments, you can cater to various dietary needs without sacrificing any of the deliciousness!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze this casserole? Absolutely! This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, portion it into airtight containers, and it’ll keep in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

2. What if I don’t have pork and beans? No worries! You can substitute with any canned beans you have on hand. Just make sure to use similar flavors; for instance, a mix of kidney beans and black beans can work well. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the mix!

3. How can I make this dish spicier? If you love a kick, you can add more jalapeños or even toss in some crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the beef. For an extra layer of heat, consider mixing in some diced green chilies or hot sauce to your sauce mixture.

4. Can I use a different type of meat? Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly compared to ground beef.

5. What should I serve with this casserole? This dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread, a fresh green salad, or some steamed veggies. You can even serve it with tortilla chips for a fun twist!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, my friends! This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is truly a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the belly. With its rich, sweet, and tangy flavors, it’s no wonder it’s become a beloved staple in my kitchen. Remember, it’s not just about the deliciousness; it’s about the memories you’ll create around the dinner table, sharing laughter and good times with those you love.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own with your favorite twists and variations. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively potluck, this casserole is bound to impress. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret it!

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