If you love easy, budget-friendly meals with big flavor and very little fuss, this one’s going straight into your weeknight dinner rotation. Be sure to subscribe below to get this and other classic casserole favorites straight to your inbox!
What Is a Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole?
A baked beans & ground beef casserole is a beloved American-style dish that combines protein-rich ground beef, sweet and tangy baked beans, and a saucy mix of ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar. It’s baked until bubbly and caramelized, giving it an irresistible oven-fresh finish. This dish leans into both Southern and Midwestern cooking traditions, and it’s the perfect marriage of BBQ flavors and casserole ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Super simple – No fancy ingredients or complicated steps!
-
Crowd-pleasing – Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or Sunday suppers.
-
One dish wonder – It’s an all-in-one meal with protein, fiber, and flavor.
-
Make-ahead friendly – Prep it earlier in the day, bake when you’re ready.
-
Budget-conscious – Pantry staples and ground beef are easy on the wallet.
What Does It Taste Like?
Think sweet, smoky, and a little tangy. The baked beans bring a brown sugar molasses flavor, balanced perfectly by the acidity of ketchup and mustard. The ground beef and onions add savory depth, while the Worcestershire sauce gives everything a lip-smacking umami finish. It’s like your favorite backyard BBQ side, turned into a satisfying main dish!
Health & Nutrition Benefits
While baked beans & ground beef casserole is definitely comfort food, it has a few redeeming qualities:
-
Protein-packed thanks to ground beef and beans.
-
Fiber-rich from the beans — perfect for keeping you full.
-
Customizable – Easy to tweak for lower sugar, less fat, or more veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything that goes into this bubbling dish of goodness:
-
1 pound ground beef
-
1 large onion, chopped
-
4 (12 oz) cans baked beans – Choose your favorite brand!
-
3/4 cup brown sugar – Light or dark both work here.
-
1/2 cup ketchup
-
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
-
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need much to pull this together:
-
Large skillet for browning the beef
-
Mixing bowl for combining ingredients
-
9×13 baking dish (or similar size)
-
Wooden spoon or spatula
-
Oven (preheated to 350°F)
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
-
Beans: Swap some baked beans for kidney or pinto beans for more texture.
-
Meat: Try ground turkey or sausage if you prefer.
-
Sugar: Reduce to 1/2 cup for a less sweet version, or use maple syrup for a natural option.
-
Heat: Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili flakes if you like it spicy.
-
Veggies: Bell peppers or diced tomatoes make excellent additions!
How to Make Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat while you prep.
Step 2: Brown the beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off excess fat.
Step 3: Mix it all up
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onions with the baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully blended.
Step 4: Transfer to baking dish
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and golden around the edges.
What to Serve with Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but these sides make it shine:
-
Cornbread – Soak up all that saucy goodness.
-
Coleslaw – Adds a cool, crunchy contrast.
-
Green beans or collards – Balance the richness with some greens.
-
Potato salad – For the ultimate backyard vibe.
Tips for Perfect Results
-
Don’t skip draining the beef – This prevents a greasy casserole.
-
Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after baking so it thickens slightly.
-
Use quality baked beans – Some brands are overly sweet or mushy. Go for one you already love!
-
Double it for a crowd – This scales up beautifully for parties.
How to Store Leftovers
This casserole keeps very well, making it a great make-ahead or meal prep dish.
-
Fridge: Store covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
-
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or a 350°F oven until heated through.
Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake as directed when ready.
Can I use homemade baked beans?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade baked beans recipe, use about 6 cups total.
Is it gluten-free?
That depends on your baked beans and Worcestershire sauce. Double-check the labels!
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then mix all ingredients and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that warms your heart as much as your belly, this baked beans & ground beef casserole is it. It’s deeply flavorful, budget-friendly, and easy to make with pantry staples. Whether you’re feeding your family or taking a dish to a potluck, this one will never let you down.
Craving more cozy comfort? Here are a few more reader-favorite recipes you might love:
-
Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
-
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
-
Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 12 ounce cans baked beans
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked beef and onions, baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.