Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or disposable foil pan.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat:
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Add ground beef
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Cook until browned, breaking it apart
Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine:
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Baked beans
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Ketchup
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Barbecue sauce
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Brown sugar
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Worcestershire sauce
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Garlic powder
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Smoked paprika
Stir until well blended.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked beef and vegetables to the bean mixture. Stir gently until evenly combined.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
Optional: Sprinkle cheese or bacon on top.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and slightly thickened.
For a caramelized top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 8: Rest & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Flavor & Texture Breakdown
This casserole delivers:
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Savory, juicy ground beef
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Sweet and smoky baked beans
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Soft, flavorful vegetables
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Thick, rich sauce
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Optional cheesy or crispy topping
It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, smoky, and hearty.
Pro Tips for Best Results
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Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
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Don’t skip Worcestershire—it adds depth
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Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar
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For thicker casserole, bake 5–10 minutes longer
Delicious Variations
🧀 Cheesy Baked Beans Casserole
Add 1½ cups shredded cheddar during the last 10 minutes of baking.
🥓 Bacon Baked Beans & Beef
Stir in crispy bacon or sprinkle on top before baking.
🌶️ Spicy Version
Add jalapeños, chili powder, or cayenne pepper.
🍅 Tex-Mex Twist
Add cumin, chili powder, and corn for a Southwestern vibe.
🫘 Extra-Bean Version
Mix in kidney beans or black beans for more texture.
What to Serve with Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
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Cornbread or dinner rolls
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Coleslaw or green salad
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Grilled vegetables
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Macaroni and cheese
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Pickles or sliced onions
This dish pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
Make Ahead
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Assemble up to 24 hours in advance
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Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake
Storage
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Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Reheating
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Oven: 350°F until warmed through
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Microwave: Reheat portions gently
Freezing
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Freeze cooked casserole for up to 2 months
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Thaw overnight before reheating
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes—ground turkey works well and is lighter.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your baked beans and sauces are gluten-free.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours after browning the beef.
Why This Recipe Works
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Baked beans provide sweetness and body
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Ground beef adds hearty protein
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Baking melds flavors beautifully
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One-dish cooking keeps it simple
It’s economical, comforting, and endlessly adaptable.
Perfect Occasions for This Dish
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Family dinners
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Potlucks and picnics
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BBQ side dish
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Game day food
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Meal prep lunches
SEO Keywords Naturally Included
Baked beans and ground beef casserole, baked beans beef bake, ground beef baked beans recipe, barbecue bean casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is timeless comfort food at its best—simple, satisfying, and full of bold flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or bringing a dish to share, this recipe always delivers.
👉 Save this recipe and enjoy a classic, cozy meal everyone will love 🫘🥩🔥
