Savory Baked Beans with Ground Beef

If comfort food brings back memories of cozy kitchens, this baked beans and ground beef casserole will hit the spot. Hearty, smoky, and full of flavor, it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table.

Ingredients:

Ground beef – 1 lb (450 g)

Onion, chopped – 1 medium

Garlic, minced – 2 cloves

Baked beans in tomato sauce – 1 can (28 oz / 800 g)

Kidney beans, drained and rinsed – 1 can (15 oz / 425 g)

Pinto beans, drained and rinsed – 1 can (15 oz / 425 g)

Barbecue sauce – 1 cup (250 ml)

Brown sugar – 2 tbsp

Worcestershire sauce – 1 tbsp

Mustard (yellow or Dijon) – 1 tsp

Smoked paprika (optional) – ½ tsp

Salt & black pepper – to taste

Shredded cheddar cheese (optional) – 1 cup (100 g)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Drain any excess fat.

Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.

Make the Sauce

Stir in baked beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors meld.

Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.

Bake

Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until hot and bubbling.

Optional: During the last 10 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top for a melty, golden finish.

Serve

Enjoy warm with cornbread, biscuits, or over rice.