I tried this casserole for a chilly game day, and it disappeared before half-time. It is one of those recipes everyone requests seconds of and now my go-to for relaxed family weekends.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Adds rich flavor and protein for a satisfying casserole. Look for fresh beef with bright color
- Yellow onion: Brings depth and soft sweetness. Choose firm onions with papery skin
- Green bell pepper: Adds crunch and bright bite. Pick ones with glossy skin and no soft spots
- Ketchup: Gives tangy sweetness and helps bind everything. Try to use a thick tomato-packed variety
- Brown sugar: Balances savory notes with just-right sweetness. Use packed light brown sugar for best melting
- Mustard: Lifts all the other flavors. A yellow classic is perfect here
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth. A dash goes a long way to round out flavors
- Pork and beans: Provide heartiness and a bit of smokiness. Use classic canned pork and beans do not drain
- Butter: For greasing the pan with a little richness. Unsalted lets you control the salt
- Salt and black pepper: For seasoning. Always taste and adjust as you mix
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease a nine by thirteen baking dish with butter making sure to cover the corners so nothing sticks. This helps with easy cleanup and gives a subtle golden crust
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a deep skillet cook the ground beef over medium heat breaking it up and stirring occasionally. Let it cook until there is no pink left then drain off any extra grease for a less oily casserole
- Sauté Onion and Pepper:
- Add diced onion and bell pepper right into the skillet with the beef. Cook over medium until that onion softens and grows translucent and the bell pepper is just tender about five to eight minutes. This step is where a lot of the casserole base flavor happens
- Mix in Sauces and Sweetener:
- Pour in ketchup first and stir to coat all the meat and vegetables. Add mustard Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar mixing well. Taste it before adding salt and pepper and adjust until it is just how you like
- Add Pork and Beans:
- With the heat off gently stir in both cans of pork and beans liquid included. Fold carefully to avoid mashing the beans. This gives the casserole the right texture
- Fill and Cover the Dish:
- Pour the entire mixture into your greased pan. Spread it out with a spatula into a smooth layer. To keep every bite extra moist cover tightly with aluminum foil so steam cannot escape
- Bake to Perfection:
- Transfer to your preheated oven. Bake at three fifty degrees for forty five minutes. The beans will bubble and the flavors meld into that classic casserole taste. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor
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