Absolutely! Here’s a complete, detailed breakdown for a **Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole**, covering everything you requested—from origin and culture to healthful indulgence:
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## **Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole**
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### **Introduction and Origin**
Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, savory-sweet dish that brings together two pantry staples—baked beans and ground beef—in a rich, filling, and comforting casserole form. It has roots in mid-20th century American home cooking, where casseroles became a staple for their affordability, convenience, and ability to feed a crowd. This dish is a weeknight wonder and potluck favorite, combining BBQ-inspired flavors in a warm, satisfying bake.
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### **Cultural Significance**
Casseroles like this one are iconic in American culinary culture, especially across the Midwest and South. They represent home, warmth, and hospitality—often passed down in handwritten recipe cards or made from memory. The baked beans bring a touch of smoky sweetness, while the beef adds hearty substance, making it a go-to for potlucks, church suppers, game day gatherings, and weeknight dinners alike.
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### **Ingredients & Quantity**
**Main Ingredients:**
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 lb ground pork or sausage (optional, for richer flavor)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans (like Bush’s Original)
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 2 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
**Topping (Optional):**
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions
– 1 tbsp butter (melted, for topping)
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### **Optional Additions**
– Add diced bell peppers for extra flavor and color
– Stir in cooked bacon pieces for smoky richness
– Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicier profile
– Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option
– Add canned corn or black beans for a twist
– Top with cornbread batter and bake for a Tex-Mex-inspired skillet pie
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### **Tips for Success**
– Drain fat after browning the meat to avoid a greasy casserole
– Simmer the bean mixture for a few minutes before baking to deepen flavors
– Use a 9×13” casserole dish for even cooking
– Cover with foil during baking to keep it moist, uncover toward the end for a golden top
– Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes after baking to set and enhance flavors
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### **Instructions**
1. **Preheat Oven:**
Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Brown the Meat:**
In a large skillet, cook ground beef (and pork, if using) with onions and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. **Mix the Casserole Base:**
Stir in baked beans, ketchup, BBQ sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and seasonings. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes to meld flavors.
4. **Assemble the Casserole:**
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13” baking dish. Smooth evenly.
5. **Add Toppings (Optional):**
Sprinkle shredded cheese and crushed crackers or fried onions. Drizzle with melted butter.
6. **Bake:**
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. **Rest & Serve:**
Let sit 10 minutes before serving. Pairs great with cornbread, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad.
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### **Description**
This casserole is warm, bold, and deeply satisfying. The baked beans bring sweetness and tang, the beef adds savory depth, and the mix of sauces infuses each bite with BBQ-style flavor. The cheesy, crunchy topping adds irresistible texture, making it the perfect comfort food mashup.
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### **Nutritional Information** *(Approx. per serving – based on 8 servings):*
– **Calories:** 420
– **Fat:** 22g
– **Saturated Fat:** 9g
– **Carbohydrates:** 36g
– **Sugar:** 16g
– **Protein:** 22g
– **Fiber:** 6g
– **Sodium:** 780mg
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### **Conclusion and Recommendation**
Baked Beans & Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser: budget-friendly, family-approved, and easy to make. It delivers comfort, warmth, and nostalgic flavor with every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family, a tailgate crew, or yourself for the week, this dish is always a winner.
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### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
To enjoy this dish with a bit more balance:
– Use lean ground meat or a plant-based substitute
– Choose reduced-sugar baked beans or make your own
– Cut back on cheese or use a light version
– Load up on veggies—bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach—to boost fiber and nutrients
– Serve with a fresh side salad for contrast and balance
You can still enjoy the bold, comforting flavor of this casserole while making smart adjustments to nourish your body and soul.
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