Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

If your childhood kitchen was filled with the scent of slow-simmered comfort food, chances are you’ve encountered some version of a baked beans and ground beef casserole. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t just feed a family—it gathers them. The smoky aroma, the bubbling sauce, the way it fills the house with warmth—it’s more than a meal; it’s a memory in the making.

I first made this casserole on a crisp autumn evening, craving something that would nourish both body and spirit. One bite in, and it was clear: this was going to be a regular request. Since then, it’s become a beloved staple in our home—reliable, cozy, and always welcome at the table.

📝 Ingredients

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
4. Combine the sauce: Stir in the baked beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Assemble: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish.
6. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until hot and bubbling.
7. Optional: In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese for a melty, golden finish.
8. Serve warm with cornbread, biscuits, or spooned over rice.