Cheesy Beef and Bean Casserole

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty comfort dish with layers of seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, and melted cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef, canned kidney beans, tomato sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.7 (10 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook 1.5 lbs ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbly, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups drained kidney beans and 1 cup tomato sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp butter, and 1/4 cup milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the beef and bean mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread 1.5 cups grated cheddar cheese over the top.
  6. Step 6: In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Beef and Bean Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheesy Beef and Bean Casserole?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Beef and Bean Casserole?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheesy Beef and Bean Casserole for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cheesy Beef and Bean Casserole?

Mexican beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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