Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole 🍖🧅🥗
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 40 mins
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
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1 medium yellow onion, diced
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1 medium green bell pepper, diced
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2 cans (28 oz total) baked beans (e.g., Bush’s Original)
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1 cup ketchup
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½ cup packed brown sugar (or maple syrup for less sweetness)
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2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
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2 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef & Veggies:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned (5–6 mins). Drain excess fat.
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Add onion and bell pepper; sauté for 3–4 mins until softened.
2. Mix the Sauce:
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Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2 mins.
3. Combine & Bake:
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Fold in baked beans (undrained). Transfer to a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
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Top with cheese (if using). Bake uncovered for 20–25 mins until bubbly.
4. Serve:
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Garnish with bacon and extra onions. Serve with:
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Cornbread or crusty rolls
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Coleslaw or a simple green salad
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Tips & Variations
🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add 1 diced jalapeño or ½ tsp cayenne.
🍗 Meat Lovers: Swap half the beef for diced smoked sausage.
🥫 Shortcut: Use 1 lb cooked pulled pork instead of beef.
🌱 Vegetarian: Omit beef, add 2 cups chopped mushrooms.
Make Ahead: Assemble up to 1 day ahead; bake before serving.
This casserole is sticky, smoky, and satisfying—like a deconstructed Sloppy Joe meets baked beans! Perfect for feeding a hungry family.
Want a slow cooker version? Just brown the beef/veggies, then simmer everything on LOW for 4 hours! 😊