Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
(You can substitute half the bell pepper with jalapeno or poblano for extra heat) - 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 (15 oz) cans pork and beans (do not drain)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 TBS butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- In a deep skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked and no longer pink. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the ketchup and combine well. Add mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. Taste the mixture and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the pork and beans (with juice) to the skillet and stir gently to combine.
- Pour the ground beef and baked bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations:
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeno or poblano peppers to the skillet with the onion and bell pepper for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Version: Sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite) on top of the casserole before baking for a cheesy crust.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian take on this casserole.
- BBQ Flavor: Add a few tablespoons of BBQ sauce for a smoky twist on the flavor.
- Bacon Addition: Crumbled bacon can be added to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
Tips:
- Adjust sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can add more or less brown sugar. If you like it less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar or skip it altogether.
- Flavor balance: Make sure to taste and adjust the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup for the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
- Make ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and then baked the next day.
- Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and bake from frozen (you may need to extend the baking time).
Enjoy customizing it to your liking!