Description
A comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that balances sweet and savory flavors, perfect for potlucks or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey / plant-based crumbles)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15-16 oz) cans baked beans or pork & beans (about 3 cups total)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce or chili sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard or Dijon
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped or 1 cup shredded cheddar (optional topping)
- 1/2 cup crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean meat or a vegetarian version)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- In a large bowl, combine the baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until smooth.
- Fold the cooked meat mixture into the bean mixture until evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle bacon or cheddar on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbling around the edges and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, omit meat and add sautéed mushrooms. Reduce brown sugar for a lower sweetness level.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American