Hearty Beef 'N Beans
Hearty beef and bean casserole with cheesy biscuits, flavorful tomato sauce, and savory mushrooms, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 15 oz. can kidney beans undrained
- 8 oz. can pizza or spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 4 oz. can mushroom stems and pieces drained ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dry onion soup mix ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 10 oz. can refrigerated big flaky biscuits ⓘ
- 10 - 1/2 inch cubes Cheddar or American cheese
- 1 Tbsp. margarine melted ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. sesame seed ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Add chopped green pepper, kidney beans (undrained), spaghetti sauce, mushroom pieces, onion soup mix, and garlic powder to the beef. Mix well and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, separate the biscuit dough and place each biscuit on a greased baking sheet or dish.
- Top each biscuit with a cube of cheese.
- Brush biscuits with melted margarine and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until biscuits are golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve the beef mixture over the baked biscuits and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, you can add diced carrots or corn to the beef mixture. If you're out of dry onion soup mix, a combination of onion powder and a bit of salt can work as a substitute. Consider using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick, or use leftover cheese from other beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef mixture over the biscuits for a filling meal. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. For an extra kick, consider adding hot sauce or serving alongside a dollop of sour cream. It can also be enjoyed with a side of your favorite American recipes, like coleslaw.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the beef mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave it in short intervals. The biscuits can be reheated in the oven for best results, making them crispy again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Beef 'N Beans contains roughly 1375 calories, with 29g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 127g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and iron (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 820mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake the biscuits fresh before serving to ensure they are warm and flaky.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the substitute used.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! The beef mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months. However, it's best to freeze the mixture separately from the biscuits. Reheat the beef mixture in a saucepan and bake fresh biscuits when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).