Add Preferred SourceThere’s something special about a dish that brings comfort and warmth all in one bite. I can’t help but think back to cozy family dinners, where this Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole always made an appearance. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with the delicious aroma of simmering onions, sizzling bacon, and savory beef, perfect for a relaxed evening with loved ones.
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I remember watching my grandmother pull this dish out of the oven, that golden bacon crisping just perfectly on top. It’s been a family favorite for years, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. This casserole is a blend of hearty ground beef, rich baked beans, and sweet, tangy tomatoes, all baked together in a dish that’s as satisfying as it is comforting.
A Cozy Meal for All Seasons
Whether it’s a chilly night or a casual weekend gathering, this casserole makes every occasion feel a little more special. The combination of tender ground beef, sweet baked beans, and crispy bacon creates the ultimate blend of textures and flavors. Every bite is a reminder of the simple joys of home-cooked meals, perfect for gathering around the table and creating memories.
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking oil spray
- vegetable oil
- large onions, chopped
- ground beef
- boston-style baked beans
- tomatoes, chopped
- light brown sugar
- Dijon mustard
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- bacon
How to Make Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 2-quart casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking oil, ensuring the casserole won’t stick as it bakes. I always love using a nonstick spray for this; it's an easy way to ensure the dish comes out clean every time.
Next, grab a large skillet and heat up the vegetable oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onions and let them cook for about 5 minutes, until they’re softened and aromatic. The onions are the perfect base for this dish, adding sweetness and depth.
Once the onions are softened, it’s time to add the ground beef. Cook it for about 10 minutes, breaking it up with a fork as it browns. The key here is to make sure the beef is fully browned; this will give your casserole a rich, savory flavor.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef mixture with the baked beans, chopped tomatoes, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This is where the flavors really start to come together.
Now, pour the beef and bean mixture into your prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top. Lay the bacon slices across the top, and cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the casserole is thick and bubbling with anticipation.
Once it’s out of the oven, remove the cover and preheat the broiler. Place the casserole under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, just long enough to crisp the bacon to perfection. The bacon will add a wonderful, smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the rich casserole beneath.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a one-dish wonder, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a side of cornbread for a truly Southern-inspired meal. You can even serve it with a few pickles on the side to balance out the richness of the dish.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This casserole also freezes well! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake it in the oven until warmed through.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of hearty casseroles, you’ll also love my Sloppy Joe Casserole, which is as filling and comforting as it sounds. For something with a bit more veggie goodness, try my Southern Squash Casserole, a creamy dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re craving a dessert, Mississippi Mud Pie is the perfect treat with its rich chocolate and gooey marshmallows. These dishes, along with favorites like Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole and Spinach & Sweet Potato Hash, bring people together and make any meal feel extra special.
Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Casserole dish
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Broiler
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking oil spray
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large onions chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 15-ounce cans Boston-style baked beans
- 2 medium tomatoes chopped
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 5 slices bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the onions until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the beef mixture with baked beans, tomatoes, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top with bacon slices.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, until thick and bubbly.
- Remove the foil, preheat the broiler, and broil for 1–2 minutes, until the bacon is crispy.
Notes
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
