This hearty baked beans and ground beef casserole blends rich, smoky-sweet flavors into one comforting dish. Tender ground beef, soft onions, and crisp green bell peppers are baked together with classic pork and beans, brown sugar, ketchup, and a touch of mustard for that nostalgic tang. Worcestershire sauce deepens every bite, creating a satisfying all-in-one meal perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or when you’re craving a cozy dinner straight from the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple pantry-friendly ingredients — nothing fancy or hard to find
- Sweet and savory flavor balance the whole family enjoys
- Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or casual weeknight dinners
- One-pan cooking and baking means minimal cleanup
- Comfort food classic that’s budget-friendly and filling
When I first made this on a chilly game day, it disappeared before halftime. It’s become one of those dependable family favorites that always earns second helpings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 450 g ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 240 ml ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 110 g packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cans (425 g each) pork and beans, undrained
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Greasing
- 15 g butter (unsalted preferred)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 23 x 33 cm (9×13 inch) baking dish with butter, ensuring all corners are coated.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a deep skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease for a lighter casserole.
3. Add Onion and Bell Pepper
Stir in the diced onion and bell pepper. Continue cooking for 5–8 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the pepper softens slightly.
4. Mix in Sauces and Seasoning
Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables evenly. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
5. Add the Pork and Beans
Turn off the heat, then gently fold in the undrained pork and beans. Stir carefully to keep the beans intact for the perfect texture.
6. Bake
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
Bake for 45 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and heated through.
7. Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly for a spoonable, hearty texture.
Pro Tips
- For a bolder, smoky flavor, add a spoonful of barbecue sauce to the mix.
- Substitute half the green bell pepper with poblano or jalapeño for extra spice.
- Taste after adding the sauces — balancing sweet and savory here makes all the difference.
- Add shredded cheddar on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy finish.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven (covered) or microwave until heated through. For best results, reheat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground turkey or chicken: A lighter, leaner option that still tastes great.
- Different beans: Try pinto or navy beans if pork and beans aren’t on hand.
- Bell peppers: Red for sweetness or poblano for a mild kick.
- Add bacon: Dice and mix into the beef for extra smoky depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot and bubbling with:
- Cornbread or biscuits for soaking up sauce
- Green salad or coleslaw for freshness
- Potato chips or pickles for crunch
It’s also a perfect potluck dish — easy to transport, easy to reheat, and always a hit.
Cultural Context
Baked beans and ground beef casseroles have long roots in American home cooking, especially across the Midwest and the South, where stretching simple pantry staples into hearty meals was tradition. The blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors has made it a timeless comfort classic passed from one generation to the next.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use different beans?
Yes! Substitute pork and beans with navy or pinto beans for a similar texture.
→ How can I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
→ Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely — assemble it ahead, refrigerate overnight, and bake when ready. Add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if chilled.
→ What side dishes go best with it?
Cornbread, coleslaw, or a crisp salad complement this casserole beautifully.
→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken make excellent lighter substitutes.
Recipe Summary
Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole
A savory, sweet, and smoky baked dish combining pork and beans, beef, and vegetables for a comforting all-in-one meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings (1 full casserole)
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy