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This beef and bean casserole is the kind of comforting, no-fuss dinner that works any night of the week. A savory mixture of ground beef, pork and beans, barbecue sauce, and a touch of brown sugar bakes together under a layer of biscuit pieces and melted cheese.
Using refrigerated biscuits makes the topping quick and approachable, while the beef and beans provide a filling base that doesn’t need much else on the side. It’s warm, satisfying, and especially welcome on busy evenings when you want something hearty without a lot of prep.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
All-in-one meal. Protein, beans, and bread bake together in one dish.
Weeknight-friendly. Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
Comfort food appeal. Biscuit topping and barbecue flavor make it especially cozy.
Ingredient Notes
- Lean ground beef – Using lean ground beef helps keep the casserole from becoming greasy as it bakes. An 85/15 or 90/10 blend works well; very lean beef may cook up a bit drier.
- Pork and beans – Pork and beans add sweetness and body to the filling and help create a saucy base under the biscuits. Different brands vary in sweetness, so you may want to adjust the brown sugar slightly.
- Barbecue sauce – Use a barbecue sauce you enjoy, since its flavor comes through clearly. Sweeter sauces pair especially well with the biscuit topping, while smoky or tangy sauces create a more savory casserole.
- Refrigerated biscuits – Cutting the biscuits into smaller pieces helps them bake evenly and prevents doughy centers. Spacing the pieces slightly allows heat to circulate so they brown properly.
- Cheddar cheese – Sharp Cheddar adds the most flavor and balances the sweetness of the beans and barbecue sauce. Mild Cheddar or a blend can be used for a softer, more mellow finish.
Steps to Make Beef and Bean Casserole With Biscuit Topping
- Heat the oven and prepare a baking dish.
- Brown the ground beef with onion and bell pepper.
- Drain excess fat and stir in the beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and salt.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish.
- Cut the biscuits and arrange them over the filling.
- Sprinkle with cheese and bake until hot and bubbling and the biscuits are browned..
Tips
- Drain the beef well. Excess fat can make the casserole greasy.
- Space the biscuits. Leave small gaps so they bake evenly.
- Watch the topping. If the biscuits brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
- Let it rest. A few minutes out of the oven helps the casserole set.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy version. Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture for gentle heat.
- Different beans. Swap pork and beans for baked beans or chili beans; baked beans will make the casserole slightly sweeter.
- Cheese swap. Use Colby Jack or a Mexican-style blend for a milder finish.
- Corn addition. Stir in a cup of drained corn for extra texture and sweetness.
- Homemade biscuit topping. Use homemade biscuit dough, rolled slightly thinner and cut into pieces, for a more from-scratch version.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad for balance.
- Add coleslaw or pickles for contrast.
- Pair with steamed green beans or broccoli.
- Spoon leftovers into bowls for an easy reheat meal.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze the beef and bean mixture without the biscuit topping for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Refresh: Add a small splash of water or sauce if the casserole seems dry when reheating.
Beef and Bean Casserole With Biscuit Topping
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, lean
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- ½ cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 16-ounce can baked beans, such as pork and beans
- ⅔ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 8 to 10 biscuits, canned or frozen, or homemade cut-out
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350 F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with the onion and bell pepper until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is translucent. Drain and discard excess fat. Add salt, pork and beans, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar; heat until hot and bubbling.
- Pour the beef and bean mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Separate biscuits. You can leave them whole or cut them into halves or quarters before arranging them over the filling.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the biscuits.
- Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the biscuits are browned.
- Serve portions with a biscuit for topping. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
