Trisha Yearwood’s Bean Casserole – If you’re craving comfort food that warms your heart and fills your home with the most irresistible smells, you’ve found it. Trisha Yearwood’s Bean Casserole is a delightful mix of savory, tangy, and a hint of sweetness—with ground beef, pork and beans, barbecue sauce, and a topping of crispy bacon. It’s the sort of dish that makes you feel at home no matter where you are.
The first time I made this, I wasn’t sure if beans as the star ingredient would get a thumbs-up from my family. But I trusted Trisha’s magic and went for it. As it baked, the kitchen was filled with a rich, mouthwatering aroma—the mix of barbecue sauce, beef, and that smoky hint of bacon. My husband wandered in with that hopeful look, and my kid was already perched at the table, curious and hungry. And when we finally sat down, that first bite said it all. It was hearty, and tasty, and had everyone running for seconds. Now, it’s become one of those meals I turn to when I want to bring everyone together for a simple, happy dinner.
What makes this Trisha Yearwood’s Bean Casserole truly special?
This casserole is pure comfort on a plate. It’s got that home-cooked taste that’s both thoughtful and heartening. The blend of tender ground beef, rich beans, and tangy-sweet barbecue sauce is topped off with smoky, crispy bacon—and it all comes together effortlessly. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and more importantly, you’ll love the way it brings your family running to the table with smiles.
What You Need To Make This Trisha Yearwood’s Bean Casserole Recipe?
Ground Beef: Go for lean ground beef so you don’t end up with too much grease in your casserole. If you’re in the mood to switch things up, ground turkey or chicken can work too, but beef really gives that classic, hearty flavor.
Pork and Beans: These are the secret to making the casserole rich and comforting. They’re soft, a little sweet, and blend perfectly with the savory beef and sauces. Trust me, don’t skip these!
Barbecue Sauce: This is where you can add your own twist. Pick a barbecue sauce that you love—whether it’s smoky, tangy, or sweet, it’ll set the tone for your casserole’s flavor.
Bacon: Ah, bacon—the star topper! Cook it until it’s nice and crispy, then chop it up. It adds that smoky, crunchy bite that makes everyone go back for seconds.
Brown Sugar: Just a bit of this adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the tangy and savory flavors. It’s not too much, just enough to make you wonder what that special touch is.
Spicy Brown Mustard: This gives a little kick and depth without being overwhelming. It’s that ingredient that makes people ask, “What’s in this?”
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor that ties everything together. Just a splash, but it makes a difference.
Soy Sauce: A surprising little addition that boosts the depth of flavor. It’s subtle, but you’ll miss it if it’s not there.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These add a nice texture and sweetness when cooked down. They blend into the dish and make the whole thing taste more robust.
Steps To Make Trisha Yearwood’s Bean Casserole:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease up a 9×13-inch baking dish with some nonstick spray and set it aside.
Grab a large saucepan and set it over medium heat. Cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and bell pepper. Stir it every now and then until the beef is browned and the veggies are soft. You’re looking for the beef to be fully cooked—no pink left.
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Once the beef mixture is ready, stir in the pork and beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, spicy brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Mix it all together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.
Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the cooked, chopped bacon all over the top. Don’t skimp—this is where the magic happens!
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Let it bake for 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, take off the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to let the top get a little crispy and browned.
Once it’s done, let the casserole rest for around 10 minutes before you dig in. This helps it set so you can slice it easily.
Serve it up and enjoy! If you’re feeling fancy, add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.
Tip:
If you really want to level up this casserole, try using a mix of regular and smoked bacon for a deeper, richer flavor that adds a touch of mystery. When you’re cooking the ground beef, don’t rush it—let it brown a bit on the edges. That caramelization adds a whole new layer of savory goodness. And here’s a little secret: save some of that crispy bacon to sprinkle on top after baking for an extra crunch that everyone will love. These small details turn a good dish into one people will remember and talk about long after dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the casserole right up to the baking step, cover it, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to make sure it heats through.
Can I switch up the type of meat?
Definitely! If you’re looking for a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken works great too. Just make sure it’s cooked through before adding the other ingredients.
What’s a good way to make this dish vegetarian?
No problem! Use a plant-based ground meat substitute and swap the pork and beans with vegetarian baked beans. Leave off the bacon or use plant-based bacon bits for that smoky crunch.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Trisha Yearwood’s Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper cored, seeded, and finely chopped
- 2 16 ounces each cans pork and beans
- 1/2 c barbecue sauce
- 1/2 c ketchup
- 2 tbsp spicy brown mustard
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 6 to 8 slices bacon cooked and chopped
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with some nonstick spray and set it aside.
- Place a large saucepan over medium heat and cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion and bell pepper. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and the veggies are softened. Keep cooking until the beef is fully browned, so you don’t see any pink left.
- Add the pork and beans, followed by the barbecue sauce, ketchup, spicy brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Mix it all well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can come together.
- Spoon the mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out nice and even. Top it with the chopped, crispy bacon. This is where it really starts to look irresistible.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and let it bake for another 10 minutes to get the top a bit browned and crispy.
- Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it hold together so slicing and serving are a breeze.
- Dish it up and enjoy! For an extra touch, add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
4 Responses
Can you make this in a slowcooker
Hi Karen! I haven’t tried it in the slow cooker yet, but I bet it would be delicious! Just brown the ground beef with the onion and bell pepper first, then pop everything into the slow cooker. I’d suggest cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, and maybe adding the bacon just before serving to keep it crispy. If you give it a go, let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear!
I made this in a slowcooker. 7 hrs. Turned out awesome
I made this in a slowcooker. 7 hrs. Turned out awesome