Baked Beans

 Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole

Here’s a hearty and satisfying dish for your next family dinner — **Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole** — warm, smoky, and absolutely comforting.

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## 🫘🥩 Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole: A Hearty, Sweet-Savory Comfort Classic

If you’re craving something cozy, filling, and full of down-home flavor, this **Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole** is the ultimate comfort food. Think **savory beef**, **sweet baked beans**, and just the right amount of tangy barbecue flavor — all baked together into a bubbling, satisfying dish.

Perfect for **potlucks, weeknight dinners, or backyard BBQs**, this one is always a crowd favorite and super easy to whip up!

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## 🧾 Ingredients

* **1 lb ground beef**

  *Savory base with lots of protein.*

* **1 small onion**, diced

  *Adds flavor and texture.*

* **1 green bell pepper**, diced *(optional)*

  *Adds color and slight crunch.*

* **2 cloves garlic**, minced

* **2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans**

  *Use your favorite — classic, maple, or hickory style.*

* **½ cup barbecue sauce**

  *Adds sweet, tangy depth.*

* **2 tbsp ketchup**

* **1 tbsp mustard**

  *Balances the sweetness with a little zip.*

* **1 tbsp brown sugar** *(optional, for extra sweetness)*

* **Salt & black pepper**, to taste

* **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese** *(optional, for topping)*

* **Cooked bacon crumbles**, for topping *(optional but delicious!)*

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## 👩‍🍳 Instructions

### 🔹 1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat to **375°F (190°C)**. Lightly grease a **9x13-inch baking dish**.

### 🔹 2. Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the **ground beef**, **onion**, **bell pepper**, and **garlic** until beef is browned and vegetables are soft. Drain excess grease.

### 🔹 3. Mix It Up

Stir in:

* **Baked beans**

* **Barbecue sauce**

* **Ketchup, mustard, brown sugar**

* **Salt & pepper**

Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.

### 🔹 4. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Top with **shredded cheddar cheese** and **bacon crumbles**, if using.

### 🔹 5. Bake

Bake uncovered for **25–30 minutes**, or until bubbling and cheese is melted and golden.

### 🔹 6. Rest and Serve

Let sit for **5 minutes** before serving — it thickens as it cools.

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## 🍽️ Serving Suggestions

* Serve with **cornbread**, **coleslaw**, or **buttered toast**

* Add a green veggie like **steamed broccoli** or **grilled zucchini**

* Pairs great with a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a southern-style meal

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## 💡 Tips & Variations

* **Make it spicy**: Add jalapeños or use spicy BBQ sauce

* **Vegetarian version**: Use plant-based ground meat and vegetarian baked beans

* **Stretch it further**: Stir in cooked rice or elbow macaroni

* **Make ahead**: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking