Easy Beef and Beans With Cheese
This beef and bean casserole makes an easy weeknight main dish. Or add the beans to your cookout menu.
This beef and beans casserole is a straightforward, no-fuss meal that comes together quickly with pantry staples. Ground beef, onions, peppers, and pork and beans bake into a savory, comforting dish that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for casual gatherings.
It’s flexible, budget-friendly, and easy to customize. Serve it straight from the oven with melted cheese on top, or let everyone add cheese to their own portion.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
Quick and easy. Minimal prep and short baking time.
One-dish meal. Everything bakes together in a single casserole.
Flexible serving. Works for dinner or as a hearty cookout side.
Ingredient Notes
- Lean ground beef – Keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Onion and bell peppers – Add flavor and texture without overpowering the dish.
- Pork and beans – Use a large can; brands and sizes vary slightly.
- Cheddar cheese – Sharp Cheddar adds the most flavor, but mild works too.
Steps to Make Easy Beef and Beans With Cheese
- Heat the oven and lightly grease a casserole dish.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until tender.
- Drain the beef mixture well.
- Stir in the beans and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish.
- Bake until hot and bubbling.
- Top with cheese and bake just until melted, or add cheese to individual servings.
Tips
- Drain thoroughly. Removing excess fat keeps the casserole from becoming watery.
- Adjust seasoning. Taste the bean mixture before baking and season as needed.
- Cheese timing. Add cheese at the end to prevent overbrowning.
- Scale easily. Double the recipe for a larger crowd.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy version. Add chili powder or a pinch of cayenne.
- Different beans. Use baked beans or chili beans instead of pork and beans.
- Cheese blend. Try Colby Jack or a Mexican-style blend.
- Vegetable boost. Add corn or diced tomatoes to the beef mixture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with cornbread or dinner rolls.
- Pair with coleslaw or a simple green salad.
- Add pickles or sliced onions on the side.
- Spoon leftovers onto toasted buns for sandwiches.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Refresh: Add a small splash of water or broth if the mixture seems dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Easy Beef and Beans With Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped, a combination of red and green
- 1 28-ounce can baked beans, such as pork and beans
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F.
- Lightly grease a 1 1/2-quart casserole.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking up, for 2 minutes. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and continue cooking until the onion is tender and the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain well.
- To the beef mixture, add the beans. Add salt and pepper, to taste, and blend well. Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until hot and bubbling. Top with the cheese and continue baking for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Alternatively, sprinkle cheese over each serving.
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.
