Hearty, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this Beef and Bean Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate meal for any occasion. Made with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, savory baked beans, and melted cheese, it’s designed for true campfire cooking but equally delicious from your home oven or grill!

Ultimate Beef and Bean Cowboy Casserole: Your Go-To Campfire & Grill Recipe

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a meal that evokes the spirit of the open range and crackling campfires. This Beef and Bean Cowboy Casserole recipe does exactly that, transporting you to a time of chuck wagon cooks and hearty, no-nonsense sustenance. It’s a dish that promises to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection, perfect for family dinners, backyard barbecues, or even a cozy night in. We’ll show you how to master this classic, whether you’re firing up the grill for that authentic smoky flavor or baking it to perfection in your oven.

Imagine succulent ground beef, perfectly seasoned and crumbled, mingling with the irresistible crunch of maple-cured bacon. Add to this the rich, sweet, and savory depth of baked beans, all blanketed under a generous layer of gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience – a symphony of textures and flavors that will satisfy even the biggest appetites. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some warm cornbread, and you have a complete, unforgettable meal that practically cooks itself once assembled. Plus, leftovers are even more delicious, warming up beautifully for a quick and satisfying lunch the next day.

The Allure of Cowboy Casserole: A Timeless American Classic

The charm of a cowboy casserole lies in its hearty simplicity and comforting appeal. It’s a dish rooted in American culinary tradition, designed to be filling, flavorful, and easy to prepare, especially for feeding a hungry crowd. This recipe pays homage to those classic chuck wagon meals, where robust ingredients were combined to create satisfying sustenance after a long day. Our Beef and Bean Cowboy Casserole captures that essence, delivering a rich and savory profile with just the right amount of sweetness from the maple-cured bacon and baked beans.

The combination of ground beef and beans is a cornerstone of many comfort food dishes, but the addition of crispy bacon and melted cheese elevates this casserole to new heights. The layers bake together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a true one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste. Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, or a robust meal for your next outdoor gathering, this casserole fits the bill perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Bean Casserole

• Unforgettable Flavor: A savory blend of beef, bacon, and beans, topped with gooey cheese.
• Effortless Preparation: Simple steps and common ingredients make it accessible for all skill levels.
• Feeds a Crowd: Generous portions make it ideal for family gatherings, parties, or game nights.
• Versatile Cooking: Perfect for grilling, offering a smoky outdoor flavor, or baking in the oven.
• Delicious Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making meal prep a breeze.
• Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
• Hearty & Satisfying: A truly comforting dish that will leave everyone feeling full and content.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cowboy Casserole

To create this magnificent Beef and Bean Cowboy Casserole, you’ll need a handful of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavor and texture profile that makes this dish so irresistible.

• Ground Beef: The foundation of our casserole. Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, or drain thoroughly after browning.
• Onion: Diced and sautéed with the beef, it adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
• Maple or Brown Sugar Bacon: This isn’t just a topping; it’s a flavor powerhouse. The sweet and smoky notes infuse the entire dish.
• BUSH’S® Maple Cured Bacon Baked Beans: These specific beans are a game-changer, providing a rich, sweet, and smoky base that perfectly complements the meats. Using two cans ensures a generous, saucy bean layer.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that ultimate cheesy, bubbly topping that binds all the flavors together. Feel free to mix with cheddar for extra tang.
• Salt, Pepper & Garlic Powder: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the beef and bacon.
• Sliced Green Onions (optional): A fresh, vibrant garnish that adds a touch of color and a mild oniony bite.

How to Make Beef and Bean Cowboy Casserole:

Preparing the Meats: Ground Beef and Bacon

The first step to this delicious casserole is preparing your meats. In a large frying pan, brown and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat. As it cooks, add the diced onion, allowing it to soften and become translucent. This is the perfect time to season your beef generously with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder (approximately a teaspoon of each, adjust to your preference). Once the beef is fully cooked and no pink remains, drain any excess grease from the pan. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy casserole. Set the seasoned beef and onion mixture aside.

Next, in the same frying pan (after wiping it clean if necessary), fry your maple or brown sugar bacon. You want the bacon to be about half cooked, not fully crispy – roughly 5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. This partial cooking allows the bacon to finish crisping in the casserole while rendering some fat and infusing flavor. Season the bacon lightly with salt and pepper as it cooks. Once partially cooked, transfer the bacon slices to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. This keeps the casserole from becoming oily.

Layering the Perfect Casserole

Now for the fun part: assembly! You’ll need an aluminum 9×13-inch baking pan, which is perfect for grilling or baking. Begin by layering half of your seasoned ground beef and onion mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan. This forms a robust base for your casserole.

Next, open one can of BUSH’S Maple Cured Bacon Baked Beans and spread the entire contents over the ground beef layer. These beans are the heart of the “cowboy” flavor, bringing a delightful blend of sweetness and smokiness.

Now, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the baked beans. This cheese will melt down to form a delicious, gooey layer that holds everything together and adds a creamy texture.

Follow this with a layer of half the slices of your partially cooked bacon, arranging them neatly over the cheese.

To complete the casserole, simply repeat the layering process: spread the remaining ground beef, followed by the second can of baked beans, then the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese. For the top layer of bacon, you might consider cutting it into smaller, bite-sized pieces before scattering them over the cheese. This makes serving much easier and ensures everyone gets a piece of that delicious bacon in every bite.

Grilling or Baking to Perfection

Once your casserole is assembled, it’s time to cook it. Cover the entire baking dish snugly with aluminum foil. If you’re using a grill, preheat it to a medium heat, aiming for an internal temperature of around 350°F (175°C). Place the covered casserole on the grill grates and bake for approximately 30 minutes. The goal is for the cheese to be completely melted and bubbly, and all the ingredients heated through. The subtle smoky flavor from the grill adds an authentic “campfire” touch that is simply unmatched.

The aroma wafting from the grill as this casserole cooks is absolutely incredible – a tantalizing preview of the deliciousness to come!

The Finishing Touch: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is beautifully melted, carefully remove it from the grill or oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before sprinkling generously with fresh, sliced green onions. The vibrant green adds a pop of color and a subtle, fresh onion flavor that cuts through the richness of the casserole. Then, gather your loved ones and dig into this magnificent Beef and Bean Cowboy Casserole!

Tips for the Best Cowboy Casserole

While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can elevate your Beef and Bean Cowboy Casserole to legendary status:

• Spice it Up: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the ground beef as it cooks. A teaspoon of chili powder or smoked paprika can also add wonderful depth.
• Bean Varieties: While BUSH’S Maple Cured Bacon Baked Beans are highly recommended for their specific flavor profile, you can experiment with other types of baked beans or even mix in kidney beans or black beans for a different texture and taste. Just ensure they are well-drained if not specifically baked beans in sauce.
• Cheese Blend: Mozzarella offers a great melt, but a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar, or even some Monterey Jack, can add more complexity to the cheesy top.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the entire casserole (without cooking) up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling or baking, and you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Oven Baking Option: Don’t have a grill? No problem! This casserole bakes beautifully in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the covered casserole for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispier cheese topping.
• Serving Suggestions: Beyond a green salad, consider serving this casserole with cornbread, crusty bread, coleslaw, or even a side of roasted vegetables to complete your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
  Yes, you absolutely can! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just be sure to season it well, as it can be milder in flavor than beef.
• How do I store leftovers?
  Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Can this casserole be frozen?
  Yes, it can! Allow the cooked casserole to cool completely. You can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped with foil and plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• What kind of pan is best for grilling?
  An aluminum foil baking pan (disposable or heavy-duty reusable) is ideal for grilling, as it withstands the heat and is easy to transfer. A cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven can also be used if your grill is equipped for it.
• Is this dish kid-friendly?
  Absolutely! The mild flavors and hearty ingredients are generally a hit with children. You can adjust the seasoning to be even milder if needed.

Craving More Hearty Recipes?

If you loved the robust flavors of this Beef and Bean Cowboy Casserole, you’ll surely enjoy these other comforting and delicious recipes:

• Ground Beef Stroganoff – A classic, creamy pasta dish with tender ground beef.
• Bacon Wrapped Chicken Lollipops – An impressive appetizer or main course, bursting with smoky flavor.
• Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs – Juicy, tender, and slathered in delicious barbecue sauce.
• Homemade BBQ Sauce – The perfect complement to any grilled meat.
• Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole – A family favorite, easy and incredibly satisfying.
• Hobo Casserole – Another hearty, layered casserole perfect for busy nights.
• Ground Beef and Gravy – A simple yet comforting dish, great over mashed potatoes or biscuits.
• Homemade Hot Dog Chili – The ultimate topping for hot dogs or a flavorful chili bowl.

Beef and Bean Cowboy Casserole

Beef and Bean Cowboy Casserole is a robust recipe featuring ground beef, crispy bacon, sweet baked beans, and melted cheese, perfect for a true campfire meal or oven baking!

5 Stars (4 Reviews)

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Prep Time:

30 minutes

Cook Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour

Servings:
12

Author:

Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• salt, pepper and garlic powder (about a teaspoon of each)
• 1 pound maple or brown sugar bacon
• 2 (28 ounce) cans BUSH’S Maple Cured Bacon Baked Beans
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• sliced green onions, for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown and crumble ground beef in a large frying pan along with diced onion. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Drain excess grease and set aside.
2. In the same pan, fry bacon until half way done (about 5 minutes on each side.) Season with salt & pepper. Place cooked bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.
3. In the bottom of an aluminum 9×13-inch baking pan, layer half the ground beef.
4. Layer one can of BUSH’S Maple Cured Bacon Baked Beans
5. Next, layer 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Then layer half the slices of partially cooked bacon.
7. Then continue with the same layers: ground beef, beans, mozzarella and bacon.
8. Cover entire dish with aluminum foil. Bake in covered (350f degree) grill for about 30 minutes (until cheese is melted and everything is bubbly.)

Notes

• This dish can also be cooked in the oven. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 30 minutes.

Course:
Main Course

Cuisine:
American

Nutrition

Calories:
465kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
2g

|

Protein:
26g

|

Fat:
38g

|

Sodium:
536mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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Conclusion

This Beef and Bean Cowboy Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a hearty invitation to gather around and enjoy a truly satisfying meal. Its combination of savory beef, smoky bacon, sweet baked beans, and melted cheese creates a flavor profile that’s both classic and universally loved. Whether you’re an outdoor grilling enthusiast or prefer the convenience of your kitchen oven, this casserole is designed for delicious success. Easy to prepare, generous in portions, and wonderfully versatile, it’s destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So go ahead, whip up this magnificent dish, and bring a taste of the cowboy country right to your table!