Some recipes last because they are fancy, and some last because they are dependable, filling, and loved by everybody who comes to the table. This oven baked 3-ingredient beef Kensington is that kind of supper, the sort of simple casserole a Midwestern grandmother could jot on an index card and trust for church potlucks, summer reunions, and busy weeknights alike. With just beef, baked beans, and cheese, it turns humble pantry staples into a bubbling dish with hearty flavor and a browned top that always seems to disappear one spoonful at a time.
Serve this with buttered white bread, skillet cornbread, or a pan of biscuits to catch every bit of sauce. A crisp cucumber salad, coleslaw, or sliced tomatoes on the side gives a welcome cool crunch against the rich beef and cheese, and if you are feeding a crowd, a platter of pickles and a simple potato salad rounds it out nicely.
Oven Baked 3-Ingredient Beef Kensington
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 cans (16 ounces each) baked beans
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch glass baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it into bite-size crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir the baked beans into the browned beef and mix until evenly combined. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and lightly golden at the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
Use a different cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the most old-fashioned flavor, but Colby, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar blend all melt well and make a fine pan of supper.
Choose the right baked beans: Plain canned baked beans keep this closest to the original style. If your beans are extra sweet, a pinch of black pepper stirred into the beef can help balance the flavor.
Make it stretch further: For a bigger table, serve this over toast, baked potatoes, or hot rice. That is a good country trick when you need one pan to feed a few more folks.
Brown the beef well: Let the meat get nicely browned before draining and mixing in the beans. That deeper color brings out more flavor and keeps the casserole from tasting flat.
Prepare ahead: You can brown the beef and mix it with the beans earlier in the day, then spread it in the dish, top with cheese, and bake when supper time comes around.