35 Minute Baked Beans Ground Beef Casserole Your Family Will Devour

You know those nights when you just need something warm, hearty, and practically makes itself? That’s exactly why this baked beans ground beef casserole has been my go-to for years. I first made it on a chaotic weeknight when my kids were begging for dinner and my pantry was looking a little bare. One look at those cans of baked beans and a pound of ground beef, and boom – dinner magic happened!

This casserole tastes like it simmered all day, but comes together in under an hour. The sweet smokiness of the baked beans pairs perfectly with savory beef and melty cheese. My family now requests it so often I double the recipe – it’s that good. Best part? You probably have most ingredients in your kitchen right now. Let me show you how simple comfort food can be!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Beans Ground Beef Casserole

Trust me, this isn’t just another casserole – it’s weeknight dinner magic! Here’s why it’s become my family’s favorite:

• Effortless prep: Brown some beef, dump in beans, and boom – dinner’s ready in 35 minutes flat
• Pantry hero: Uses simple ingredients you probably have on hand already
• Total crowd-pleaser: Kids go crazy for the cheesy top, adults love the smoky-sweet flavor
• Budget-friendly: Feeds a family of six for less than $10
• Leftover dream: Tastes even better the next day (if you manage to have any left!)

This recipe’s foolproof – even my 12-year-old can make it when I’m running late. Now that’s what I call a dinner win!

Ingredients for Baked Beans Ground Beef Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy casserole come together beautifully. I’ve learned over the years that quality matters – but don’t stress about being fancy!

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans (don’t drain – that saucy liquid is gold!)
• 1 medium onion, diced (yellow or white works great)
• 1 bell pepper, any color, diced (I love red for sweetness)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar makes all the difference)
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand – mine’s Sweet Baby Ray’s)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (fresh minced works too if you’re feeling fancy)
• 1 tsp salt (I use kosher, but table salt works fine)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’ve got it)

Ingredient Substitutions

No stress if you’re missing something! This recipe is super flexible:

• Ground turkey works instead of beef for a lighter version
• Make it vegetarian with plant-based crumbles or lentils
• Use homemade baked beans if you’re extra ambitious (2 cups = 1 can)
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you like some heat
• No barbecue sauce? Ketchup + 1 tbsp brown sugar + 1 tsp mustard makes a quick substitute

See? Dinner can still happen even when the pantry’s looking sparse!

How to Make Baked Beans Ground Beef Casserole

Alright, let’s get cooking! This casserole comes together so easily, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout. Here’s exactly how I make it:

1. Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) – no need to wait for it to preheat completely before starting!
2. Brown the beef in a large skillet (I use my trusty cast iron) over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until no pink remains – about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the veggies – toss in your diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until they soften and smell amazing, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Mix in the good stuff – stir in those glorious baked beans (juice and all!), barbecue sauce, and seasonings. Let it bubble for 2 minutes to marry the flavors.
5. Cheese time! Transfer everything to a 9×13 baking dish and sprinkle that cheddar evenly across the top like edible confetti.
6. Bake until magical – 20-25 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the cheese is golden and melted. Your kitchen will smell like heaven!

Prep Tips

My golden rule? Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the beef – cook in batches if needed. And yes, drain that excess grease (about 1 tbsp left is perfect for flavor).

Baking Tips

Want extra crispy cheese? Broil for the last 2 minutes – just watch it like a hawk! The casserole is done when the center is hot and the cheese pulls slightly from the edges.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Beans Ground Beef Casserole

This casserole is practically a meal on its own, but here’s how I love to serve it for that perfect comfort food experience:

• Classic cornbread – the sweet crumb soaks up that saucy goodness beautifully
• Crisp green salad with ranch dressing to balance the richness
• Garlic bread for when you really want to indulge
• Pickled veggies on the side for a tangy crunch

My family’s favorite? Scooping it straight from the baking dish with tortilla chips for an impromptu nacho night!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the best part – this casserole tastes even better as leftovers! Store any extras (if you’re lucky enough to have them) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I prefer the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to keep that perfect texture. The microwave works in a pinch (2 minutes on high, stir, then another minute), but the cheese won’t stay as dreamy. Want to freeze it? Portion it out before baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months – just add cheese before baking when ready to eat!

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each hearty serving of this casserole (nutrition will vary based on your specific ingredients):

• Calories: About 350 per generous cup
• Protein: A solid 20g – thanks to that beef and beans!
• Carbs: 35g (those baked beans bring the fiber too)
• Fat: 15g (because cheese makes everything better)

Not bad for comfort food that tastes this good, right? Just remember – my measurements might differ slightly from yours depending on brands and substitutions.

FAQs About Baked Beans Ground Beef Casserole

I get asked these questions all the time about my favorite casserole – here’s everything you need to know!

Can I freeze baked beans ground beef casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble everything (without baking), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add fresh cheese, and bake as directed. The texture stays perfect!

What’s the best type of baked beans to use?
I swear by Bush’s Original Baked Beans – their smoky flavor can’t be beat! But any canned baked beans work. Just avoid the “vegetarian” ones unless you want less richness.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You bet! Prep everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5 extra minutes to the bake time since it’s going in cold.

My casserole came out watery – what happened?
Oops! Next time, don’t drain the beef completely – leave about 1 tbsp of grease. Also, make sure your baked beans aren’t the “in sauce” variety – those can be too liquidy.

What can I use instead of barbecue sauce?
In a pinch? Mix 1/4 cup ketchup + 2 tbsp brown sugar + 1 tsp mustard + 1 tsp Worcestershire. Not quite the same, but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my family’s secret for turning simple ingredients into pure comfort! Give this baked beans ground beef casserole a try and let me know how your crew likes it. Happy cooking!

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