Hunky Baked Beans Casserole

Hearty, flavorful, and undeniably comforting, Hunky Baked Beans Casserole is a mouthwatering twist on a classic dish that's perfect for dinner or potluck gatherings. Made with savory ground beef, crispy thick-cut bacon, and tender baked beans, this casserole boasts a deep, smoky flavor thanks to the addition of Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and a touch of brown sugar for caramelized sweetness. Topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese and optionally garnished with chopped parsley, it's a crowd-pleaser that's as visually appealing as it is satisfying. Ready in just one hour, this easy casserole recipe combines layers of texture and rich flavor for a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're feeding a crowd or looking for a comforting weeknight dinner centerpiece, this baked beans casserole hits all the right notes.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups canned baked beans
• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set it aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease and set the beef aside.

Step 4

In a small amount of remaining grease, sauté the diced onion until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the baked beans, cooked beef, sautéed onion and garlic, crumbled bacon, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 6

Transfer the bean mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and slightly thickened.

Step 8

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1681.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2929.1

Total Fat 156.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 69.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 486.4mg	0%
Sodium 7542.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 251.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.8g	0%
Total Sugars 128.5g
Protein 151.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1285.2mg	0%
Iron 21.4mg	0%
Potassium 3911.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.6%

Protein: 20.1%

Carbs: 33.3%