Oven-Baked 5-Ingredient Memorial Day Cookout Casserole

Introduction

Celebrate the flavors of a classic Memorial Day cookout with this easy, family-friendly casserole. Combining seasoned ground beef, crispy hash browns, smoky baked beans, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce, this five-ingredient dish delivers all the comforting tastes of a backyard barbecue in one convenient baking dish. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or busy weeknight dinners when you want something hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 (20-ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 1 (16-ounce) can baked beans, undrained
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease.
3. Stir the barbecue sauce into the cooked beef until evenly coated.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the hash browns, baked beans, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Fold the barbecue beef mixture into the hash brown mixture until well combined.
6. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
9. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Description

This comforting casserole combines the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce and baked beans with crispy hash browns and savory ground beef, all topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese. Every bite captures the spirit of a summer cookout while being simple enough to prepare any time of year.

Tips

• Thaw the hash browns before mixing for even cooking.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melting texture.
• Drain the beef well to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
• Allow the casserole to rest before serving so it slices more easily.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley for extra color and flavor.

Variations

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• Mix in cooked bacon for extra smoky flavor.
• Add diced bell peppers or onions when browning the beef.
• Try a smoky or honey barbecue sauce to change the flavor profile.
• Top with crispy fried onions during the last 5 minutes of baking for added crunch.

Correction

For the best results, thaw the frozen hash browns completely and drain any excess moisture before mixing. Browning and draining the ground beef thoroughly helps prevent excess grease, while allowing the casserole to rest after baking improves texture and makes serving easier.

Enjoy!

Gather your family and friends around the table and enjoy this Oven-Baked 5-Ingredient Memorial Day Cookout Casserole. It’s a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal that brings together the best flavors of a backyard barbecue with minimal effort. Pair it with a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or buttery cornbread for a complete and memorable meal. Enjoy!