Hamburger Baked Bean Casserole
This simple Hamburger Baked Bean Casserole with Sriracha is a fantastic update to what was a staple in our home growing up. A bit of spice is nice!
The last time I made a Hamburger Baked Bean Casserole I was right in the middle of the process of having decided to sell my old home and getting ready to actually put it on the market.
While I will always have great memories of that home and I cried a river of tears at leaving it; it was time and I’ve been happy where I landed. Still, some things never change; it seems this casserole always comes about when I’m doing some pantry organization! Back in 2013 I was simply trying to use pantry items and not have to move them; this past week it was more about having too many cans of baked beans and not enough room to store them.
That happens sometimes; I’ll see something and buy it and get home and find I already have plenty. Welcome to my world of baked beans, panko breadcrumbs, and dried espresso. Seriously I could open my own market with those three items!
Every single time, this casserole transports me to those years of being a single mom and making casseroles and quick meals for two young girls.
I honestly think versions of this recipe have been around for a gazillion years. If I’m not mistaken my mom made it for us as kids too; dishes like this were our idea of ‘Hamburger Helper.’ It’s funny; I’ve always loved this dish but never think of making it without a family to feed. I need to get over that; I love it too!
It is requisite that it be served with either biscuits or corn muffins. And in keeping with tradition they are either Bisquick biscuits or Jiffy Cornbread Mix. NO judging!!
I did mix it up just a bit this time from what I’ve normally done with the addition of some Sriracha. Who says you can’t go home again AND make changes? I’ve long been a proponent of Emeril Lagasse and his suggestion we ‘kick it up a notch.’ This sauce sure did just that.
Flavorful? Absolutely. Hot? Yes. Burn your tongue hot? No. Meaning it was perfect for me…I want flavor, not a flame throwing experience! The amount will depend on your tolerance; I suggest starting with 2 Tablespoons and then adding more if your taste buds like it hotter. My neighbor Sam, something of a hot sauce aficionado easily added more when I served it…so definitely different strokes for different folks.
I can’t deny that the sweet element is what I’ve always found appealing; something about that mixture of molasses and brown sugar with a touch of mustard and a hint of smokiness that transports this dish far beyond mere baked beans; the addition of ground beef makes it a whole meal in a bowl.
Adding heat? No words; makes it even better. Leftovers were a bit scarce so I added some pasta and topped it with some sour cream and more Sriracha Pepper Sauce. Second verse as good as the first! Really try this…bet your family loves it too!
PIN ‘Hamburger Baked Bean Casserole’
Hamburger Baked Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. dry mustard
- 2 Tbsp molasses
- ½ Cup brown sugar
- ½ C onion to taste
- 2 - 16 oz cans baked beans
- 1 med can pork and beans
- 1 small can kidney beans
- 2-4 Tbsp Sriracha Sauce depends on your heat index!
- ¼ lb. bacon cut into one inch slices
- ½ lb. hamburger
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine the beef, bacon and onion in a large over proof skillet and brown until the meat is browned and the onions have softened. Drain off the grease.
- Add the remaining ingredients, mix well and bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- We love it served with cornbread!
Notes
Nutrition
I was provided with a sample of the Rocky Mountain Sriracha but all opinions are my own.
Ive read this recipe over and over and i can not see in the recipe the amount of sriracha that you added to this mixture. I dont eant it ri ne too hot but still want to taste a bit of heat
Well that’s because it was missing in the list of ingredients! I’m in the process of having to change the software for all of my recipes to be printable and guess I goofed when I did this one!
I put in a variable Maxine; from 2-4 Tbsp of the hot sauce. I personally like just a touch of heat and others might like more. Start low and add more if you think you want more heat. Thanks for the catch!
Have a question…can this casserole leftovers be frozen?
I can’t see any reason you couldn’t freeze the leftovers. There is nothing in the recipe or sauce that would degrade from freezing so I would sure try it.
You don’t say what size cans of beans to use large and small can be different to everyone.
Clearly I was frazzled about that move I was making because I’m not even sure I know what a small can of beans are. I always use the same size 16oz so I’ve revised the recipe to indicate that.
I like the looks of the sriracha on this! I make something kinda sorta similar sometimes — in fact I’ve had it on my “to blog” list for the last 3 years! Really should get around to making it . . . 🙂 Maybe I’ll just make yours instead!
It really is a mishmash of sorts but I’ve been making this one for more years than I like to count. The Sriracha is a nice addition. I actually used more than I put in the recipe but you know…some like it hot! 🙂
I am such a fan of beans, especially with brown sugar and bacon, Barb. This looks like the best bowl of warm comfort food with the addition of the ground beef and onions as well. Delicious!
I guess to be fair, isn’t everything better with brown sugar and bacon Stacy? It is a great little casserole; tasty and filled with memories to boot.
Perfect is right! I love how one item in your pantry could lead to such deliciousness and a wonderful trip down memory lane!
So often my pantry is my inspiration Betsy; leaving home for ingredients is not something I ever want to do so I try to keep it well stocked which makes a dish like this so easy!
Nope, nothing like this existed in South Africa when I was growing up… but I see definite possibilities for adding it to the “too lazy to cook much” weeknight dinner rota 😉 Love the cornbread to serve it with, packet-mix or not!
This was often the no time to cook type meal; too often the case for a single mom with two kids. Homework, Girl Scouts, soccer practice. I often wonder how I did all that by myself; maybe why some of those years are a blur?
Hi Barb! Ok, confession time… I’ve NEVER had this dish… but of course now I am intrigued and will have to try it ( I know, I know, I had a deprived childhood!) Looks like the perfect dish to have during La Crosse season! Wow, I don’t envy you with the moving process – the thought of having to do that sends shivers up my spine… but how liberating and freeing!! Will you be staying in the same area??? Details, details!!!
Oh wow, this is indeed a nostalgic dish! And one I know my family will devour – I can’t wait to make it for them. Love these pantry meals. I have fond memories of the Jiffy box of corn muffins, too! That’s what my mom always baked.
I wish you well as you prepare to move. I can imagine it’s an emotional, exhausting process, but hopefully it leads to a bright new chapter for you.
I think this whole moving thing has me feeling a bit nostalgic and don’t doubt it will inspire more dishes I made for my kids…while also cleaning out my pantry! Thanks Hannah, it is all those things; ready for that exciting part when I can start looking for a new space…SO over cleaning at this moment. 🙂
Mmmm this looks so damn good, Barb, and just what we need for the weather! It is also my kind of home and homey cooking – start with something canned and super good and cook it up into a great casserole. Yum! And I am assuming that is cornbread? Oh perfect. I wish i had Bush’s baked beans here.
It’s not fancy but it really is a great, hearty family meal and I’m determined to use up any canned goods I have. There will be more. 🙂
Moving is always a change but I hope this move is a great one for you– your choice on where to live and to have your own space will be ideal. I’ll look forward to more pantry dishes like this one in the coming weeks.
You never know…one day I might have a casserole with navy and white beans with some greens beans thrown in for good measure! I don’t use canned stuff a lot but want to work through them and not pack them for a move…so that casserole might even have some jalapeno peppers. 🙂
Best of luck with the move, I know how emotional it is. I just love that you are posting recipes using pantry items, so many times that dictates what is on the table for me. Love this because I just adore baked beans!!
It is emotional…that I have no idea where I’m moving doesn’t help. I need to sell before I can buy so right now just getting the space in tiptop shape. Although we are deep cleaning for sure, it’s not the cleaning that is work…it’s is sorting through 20 years of stuff and deciding…take, leave, sell, swap? Daunting task and my oldest daughter and I have just about killed ourselves in the process. 🙂
I love this old recipe! It just feels like a family meal, doesn’t it? And you’ll find no judgment here about using boxes and cans! The vast majority of people depend on a few conveniences even if they cook from scratch most of the time.
I didn’t know you were planning a move. Sounds exciting, thrilling, and exhausting all at the same time. Wish I was closer…I’d be right over to help.
It’s been on my mind and with news that Denver real estate values are high right now and there aren’t enough homes on the market, I decided to do it now when I might normally have waited until spring. I don’t live in a huge house but it’s pretty huge for one person. I’m pretty mobile but my leg will always be an issue so moving to a ranch will make life simpler I’m sure; not to mention the idea of having far less to clean has a certain appeal!
No judgment here Barb. I keep all of those items in my pantry too because they’re just plain good! This looks delicious!!!
Best wishes on the move! I’m sure it’s difficult leaving your old place but think of the excitement and new memories you’ll build in the new place. Plus, a new kitchen to cook in!!!!
Thanks Renee; no doubt right now all I can feel is loss; I’m sure when I have less to clean and less steps and NO mortgage, the benefits will kick in. Right now it’s just a feeling of both loss and total exhaustion at the effort it’s taking to organize, pack, store, pitch and sell a whole lot of stuff!
I know that turning your life upside down is difficult at best but I can’t help but feel that this is going to be a wonderful much needed adventure for you. I hope that your next home is your favorite yet. The next chapter in you life is all yours to write.
I make a kinda, sorta similar recipe and boy do people love it. This looks like a delicious quick meal. I hope you got to share this with your daughters during one of your breaks from packing.
I thought of you when I made this dish…it’s one of those ‘something from nothing’ dishes that you highlight on your blog. I’ll be doing a fair number of these in the coming weeks I imagine. 🙂