Cheesy Beef and Bean Casserole is a simple, filling dinner made with seasoned baked beans, browned ground beef, and melted sharp cheddar cheese. With just three main ingredients, this casserole is easy to prepare and works well for a casual family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only three main ingredients: The recipe keeps the ingredient list short and practical.
- Easy preparation: The beef is cooked in a skillet before everything is assembled in one baking dish.
- Simple flavors: Ground beef, baked beans, and cheddar make a familiar combination.
- Good for busy evenings: Most of the preparation can be completed in about 10 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) seasoned baked beans
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Bean Casserole
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 6–8 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces as it browns.
Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Add the Baked Beans
Pour the seasoned baked beans into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir until the beans and beef are evenly combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef and bean mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it into an even layer.
Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake
Bake the casserole uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until it is hot throughout and the cheese has melted and is bubbling around the edges.
6. Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives the casserole a short time to settle and makes it easier to portion.
Helpful Tips
- Use lean ground beef: This can help reduce the amount of grease left after browning.
- Drain the beef well: Removing excess grease before adding the beans helps keep the casserole from becoming overly oily.
- Shred the cheese yourself: Freshly shredded cheddar generally melts smoothly and evenly.
- Watch the cheese: Start checking the casserole toward the end of the baking time so the cheese does not become overly browned.
- Let it rest: A few minutes of resting makes the casserole easier to serve.
Easy Variations
Add Vegetables
Stir in cooked diced onions, bell peppers, or corn with the beef and beans for additional texture.
Change the Cheese
Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheddar-Monterey Jack blend instead of sharp cheddar.
Add Some Heat
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a small amount of crushed red pepper to the beef and bean mixture.
Use Ground Turkey
Ground turkey can be substituted for the ground beef if preferred. Cook it thoroughly before combining it with the baked beans.
What to Serve With It
This casserole can be served as a complete main dish or paired with simple sides such as:
Green salad
Steamed vegetables
Cornbread
Roasted potatoes
Coleslaw
Storage and Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate and use within 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in the oven until heated through. The cheese may not have exactly the same texture after reheating, but the casserole can still be served as leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey can be used in place of ground beef. Cook it completely before combining it with the baked beans.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. The beef and bean mixture can be prepared ahead and placed in the baking dish. Add the cheese before baking. If the casserole has been refrigerated, it may need additional baking time to heat through.
Can I use a different type of baked beans?
Yes, you can use another variety of seasoned baked beans. Keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness may vary depending on the type you choose.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar provides a pronounced cheese flavor, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend can also work well.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Cooked onions, bell peppers, corn, or other vegetables can be mixed into the beef and bean filling.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Beef and Bean Casserole keeps dinner simple with three main ingredients and straightforward preparation. Browning the beef first, combining it with seasoned baked beans, and finishing the dish with melted cheddar creates a warm, hearty casserole that can be served on its own or alongside a simple side dish.