Cowboy Beans and Beef Casserole

Introduction

If you’re craving something hearty, cozy, and packed with bold flavor, this Cowboy Beans and Beef Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s like the comfort of a backyard barbecue—only baked into one warm, bubbly dish that’s perfect for cold nights.

With ground beef, three kinds of beans, and a sweet-smoky sauce made from brown sugar, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, and smoked paprika, this casserole is rich, filling, and ridiculously satisfying. Best of all, it’s a simple one-pan meal that feeds a crowd and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 (28 oz) can pork and beans (undrained)

• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup ketchup

• ⅓ cup barbecue sauce

• ¼ cup packed brown sugar

• 1 small yellow onion (diced)

• ½ green bell pepper (diced)

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• ½ tsp vegetable oil or bacon drippings

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prep & Brown the Beef

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and green bell pepper for 7–10 minutes, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Mix in Beans & Sauce

Add:

• pork and beans (undrained)

• kidney beans

• pinto beans

Then stir in:

• ketchup

• BBQ sauce

• brown sugar

• mustard

• Worcestershire sauce

• chili powder

• smoked paprika

Mix everything well. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 4: Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbling around the edges.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Bake uncovered for 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken up so it scoops beautifully.

Conclusion

This Cowboy Beans and Beef Casserole is the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with amazing smoky-sweet aroma and leaves everyone coming back for seconds. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family.

Serve it with cornbread, rice, or a simple salad—and enjoy a warm, comforting dish that tastes like home.