Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole

Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s equal parts comforting and delicious? This Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole is one of those ground beef recipes for dinner that brings together everything you love about BBQ flavors in one bubbly, satisfying bake. Sweet baked beans, savory seasoned beef, crispy bacon, and tangy BBQ sauce come together in a dish that’s perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or cozy weeknight meals.

It’s hearty, filling, and loved by kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s simple enough to throw together on a busy day but impressive enough to bring to any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole

When you’re craving ground beef recipes casserole style comfort, this dish delivers in every way. Here’s why it’s going to become a family favorite:

• Potluck Perfection: This hearty casserole travels beautifully and feeds a crowd, making it ideal for church suppers, family reunions, or game day gatherings.
• Sweet & Savory Magic: The rich BBQ flavors of the beans pair perfectly with savory ground beef and smoky, crispy bacon for a flavor combination that’s absolutely irresistible.
• Filling and Satisfying: Packed with protein from the beef and bacon, plus fiber from the beans, this casserole is a complete meal in one dish.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: With just a few simple ingredients and one baking dish, you can have this in the oven in under 15 minutes.

Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole Ingredients

Gather these pantry-friendly ingredients to make your Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole:

• Ground Beef: Use 80/20 or 85/15 for the best flavor. Brown it until crumbly and drain off the excess grease.
• Baked Beans: Canned baked beans (like Bush’s) are perfect here. Use them undrained for extra saucy goodness.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon strips, chopped into bite-sized pieces, add smoky flavor and crunch.
• BBQ Sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce adds extra tang, sweetness, and that classic cookout flavor.
• Mustard: Yellow or Dijon mustard adds a subtle kick and balances the sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: A little brown sugar deepens the sweetness and caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.
• Onion: Diced onion cooked with the beef adds savory depth and texture.

How to Make Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole

Follow these easy steps to create a bubbling, delicious Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole:

1. Prep the Meats: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions until the beef is fully cooked and crumbly, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the grease. In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy, then chop it into pieces.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large baking dish or cast iron skillet, mix together the cooked ground beef, undrained baked beans, BBQ sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. Stir until everything is well combined and evenly coated.
3. Top with Bacon: Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
4. Bake Until Bubbly: Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the sauce has thickened nicely.
5. Serve Hot: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the sauce set up and makes it easier to scoop.

Tips for the Best Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole

Use these tips to ensure your Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Drain the Beef Well: Make sure to drain all the excess grease from the browned beef so your casserole doesn’t end up oily or greasy.
• Cook the Bacon First: Don’t put raw bacon on top of the casserole—it won’t crisp up properly in the oven. Cook it until crispy beforehand, then sprinkle it on top.
• Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking. The sauce will thicken up beautifully and the flavors will meld together.
• Use a Deep Dish: This casserole has a lot of liquid from the beans and sauce, so use a deep baking dish to prevent spills in your oven.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the brown sugar by half or use a tangier, less sweet BBQ sauce.

Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole Variations

Make this Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole your own with these easy twists:

• Cheesy Topped: Add a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a melty, golden finish.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or use spicy BBQ sauce for some heat.
• Slow Cooker Version: For ground beef recipes crock pot style, brown the beef and bacon first, then combine everything in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until thick and bubbly.
• Smoked Sausage Swap: Replace half the ground beef with sliced smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms to the beef mixture for added nutrition.

What to Serve with Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole

Round out your meal with these classic sides that pair beautifully with Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole:

• Cornbread: Sweet, buttery cornbread is the perfect companion for soaking up all that saucy goodness.
• Coleslaw: A crisp, tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet casserole.
• Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is a classic BBQ side that complements the smoky flavors perfectly.
• Grilled Corn: Buttery corn on the cob adds a summery touch.
• Pickles: A few dill pickles on the side cut through the sweetness and add a nice crunch.

Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole FAQs

Can I make this Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole the day before, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven (you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’s cold).

Can I use kidney beans instead of baked beans?
You can, but keep in mind that kidney beans aren’t pre-sweetened or flavored like baked beans. If you’re looking for more ground beef recipes easy substitutions, you’ll need to add extra BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and maybe some ketchup to get that classic baked bean flavor.

Is this Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, it can be! Just check your BBQ sauce label to make sure it doesn’t contain gluten. Most baked beans and other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts on Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole

This Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole is a BBQ lover’s dream come true—hearty, sweet, smoky, and absolutely delicious. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast at potlucks and has everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a comforting family dinner, this casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

The combination of tender ground beef, sweet and tangy baked beans, and crispy bacon is pure comfort food magic. So preheat that oven, grab your favorite baking dish, and get ready to enjoy a meal that tastes like summer BBQ all year round!

Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to pin it for your next potluck or family gathering.