Oh, you are going to LOVE this Baked Beef and Bean Casserole! Seriously, it’s one of those dishes that just screams comfort food, and it’s so ridiculously easy to whip up. I remember the first time I made it, I was looking for something hearty and filling that didn’t take forever, and this hit the spot perfectly. It’s got all those amazing flavors – savory beef, hearty beans, a little kick from the tomatoes and spices, all topped with melty cheese. It’s become a total go-to for weeknight dinners at my house!

Gather Your Ingredients for Baked Beef and Bean Casserole

Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready! You won’t believe how simple the ingredient list is for this amazing casserole. It’s all about pantry staples that come together like magic. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

Ground Beef and Aromatics

We’re starting with 1 pound of ground beef – get your favorite kind, whatever you usually use. You’ll also need 1 onion, chopped, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Browning the beef with the onion first really builds that deep flavor base, and then we’ll add the garlic at the end so it doesn’t burn. Trust me, that little bit of garlic makes a big difference!

Beans and Tomatoes

For the beans, we’re using one 15-ounce can of kidney beans and one 15-ounce can of black beans. Just make sure you drain and rinse them really well before they go into the pot. And for that little bit of zing, we’ll use a 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies – don’t drain these! They add a lovely texture and a hint of spice.

Flavor Builders

To make our sauce super savory, we’ll add 1 (8-ounce) can of tomato sauce. Then comes the spice magic: 1 teaspoon of chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin. Of course, we’ll season it all with salt and pepper to taste. It’s this simple combo that makes the whole casserole taste so rich and delicious.

Cheesy Topping

And what’s a casserole without cheese, right? We’ll top it all off with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. You can use mild, medium, or sharp – whatever your heart desires! It gets all melty and bubbly in the oven, creating that perfect cheesy crust.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Beef and Bean Casserole

Alright, get ready to see just how easy this delicious Baked Beef and Bean Casserole comes together. It’s really just a few simple steps, and before you know it, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece ready to go!

Browning the Beef and Sautéing Aromatics

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab a large skillet and brown your ground beef right over medium-high heat. Don’t forget to chop up that onion and throw it in with the beef to cook. Once the beef is all browned and the onion is looking soft, drain off any extra grease – nobody wants a greasy casserole! Now, add in your minced garlic. You only need to cook that for about a minute until it smells amazing. Be careful not to burn it!

Creating the Savory Sauce

Okay, now for the good stuff! Stir in those drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans. Then, add in the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chilies – those little guys pack a punch! Pour in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and your salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. Let this mixture come to a simmer and just let it bubble away gently for about 5 minutes. This is where all those flavors really start to meld together into that yummy sauce.

Assembling and Baking Your Casserole

Once your beef and bean mixture has simmered, it’s time to assemble! Pour all of that deliciousness into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, grab that shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle it all over the top. Make sure you get it all the way to the edges for that perfect cheesy crust. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to be completely melted and nice and bubbly.

Resting and Serving

Almost there! Once it’s out of the oven and looking all golden and bubbly, let your casserole sit for about 5 minutes. This little resting period is super important because it helps everything set up a bit, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny. Then, dive in and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Baked Beef and Bean Casserole

Making this Baked Beef and Bean Casserole is pretty foolproof, but I’ve picked up a few little tricks over the years that really elevate it. You want that perfect balance of flavor and texture, right? Here are my go-to tips to make sure it turns out amazing every single time.

Spice Level Adjustments

If you’re like me and love a little heat, don’t be shy with the spices! For a spicier kick, I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper right along with the chili powder and cumin. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, finely dice up a fresh jalapeño (seeds and all, if you’re brave!) and sauté it with the onion and garlic. It adds a fantastic fresh heat that really wakes up the whole dish.

Bean Variety Options

While the kidney and black beans are classic, feel free to mix it up! I’ve made this with pinto beans before, and they work wonderfully. Even cannellini beans would be a great choice. Just make sure you drain and rinse whatever beans you use. It’s all about making it your own, and using different beans can add a subtle twist to the texture and flavor.

Achieving a Golden Topping

That golden, bubbly cheese topping is seriously the best part! To make sure it gets perfectly melted and slightly browned, I like to make sure the casserole is nice and hot before the cheese goes on. If your cheese isn’t melting evenly, you can pop the oven rack a little higher for the last 5 minutes of baking, just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Sometimes, a quick sprinkle of paprika on top of the cheese before baking gives it a beautiful color too!

Serving Suggestions for Baked Beef and Bean Casserole

This casserole is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you want to make it a full-on feast, I’ve got you covered! It’s delicious served with a big dollop of cool sour cream on top – it really cuts through the richness and adds a nice tang. And honestly, you can’t go wrong with a side of warm, crumbly corbread. It’s perfect for soaking up any last bits of that yummy sauce. So good!

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Beef and Bean Casserole

Got questions about this amazing Baked Beef and Bean Casserole? I totally get it! It’s one of those versatile dishes that can be tweaked a bit, and sometimes you just need a little extra guidance. Here are some things people often ask me:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Oh, absolutely! This is a lifesaver for busy nights. You can totally brown the beef and mix everything together (steps 1-5) a day ahead. Just let the mixture cool completely, then cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pour it into your baking dish, top with cheese, and bake as usual. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be going in cold from the fridge. Or, you can assemble the whole thing, cover it tightly, and freeze it. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.

What are good vegetarian alternatives for this dish?

Great question! Even though this recipe calls for beef, it’s super easy to make it vegetarian. Instead of ground beef, you can use a plant-based ground crumble – there are some really good ones out there now that mimic the texture really well. Or, if you want to keep it even simpler, just increase the amount of beans! You could add another can of kidney beans or black beans, or even some pinto beans or lentils. Just follow the same steps, and you’ll have a delicious veggie-packed casserole!

How long does the Baked Beef and Bean Casserole last in the refrigerator?

Once it’s baked and cooled, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. It usually stays just as delicious! To reheat, you can pop a serving in the microwave until it’s heated through, or cover it with foil and warm it up in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes. It’s perfect for lunches the next day!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Please note that the nutritional values provided for this Baked Beef and Bean Casserole are estimates and can vary significantly based on the specific ingredients, brands, and preparation methods used. This information is intended as a general guide and not as a precise nutritional breakdown.

Amazing Baked Beef and Bean Casserole

Author: memorecipes.com
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful casserole featuring ground beef, beans, and a savory sauce, baked until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour the beef and bean mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture.
You can substitute other types of beans, such as pinto beans or cannellini beans.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a side of cornbread for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: baked beef bean casserole, ground beef recipe, bean casserole, easy casserole, comfort food, one dish meal