Description
A hearty and comforting baked bean casserole combining ground beef, smoky barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and tender baked beans. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and family dinners, offering rich flavors with a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 3 cans baked beans (about 400 g each)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 190°C (375°F) to prepare for baking the beans after combining all ingredients.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks for even cooking.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced onion and green bell pepper and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Drain Excess Fat: If there is a significant amount of fat released, drain it from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Mix in Beans and Sauces: Add the baked beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until fully combined and heated through.
- Incorporate Bacon (optional): Fold in the crumbled cooked bacon if using, for added smokiness and texture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and the top slightly caramelizes to develop flavor and texture.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked beans to rest for 5 minutes after taking them out of the oven to let the flavors settle and the dish thicken slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use a mixture of different beans such as navy, kidney, and pinto for variety in texture and flavor.
- Add diced jalapeño peppers if you prefer a spicy kick.
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated; simply reheat before serving for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish, BBQ
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American