Cheesy Beef Casserole with Golden Biscuits

Cheesy beef casserole with golden biscuits is the kind of dump-and-bake weeknight meal that comes together from a can opener and a skillet. Browned ground beef joins canned baked beans, barbecue sauce, and a tablespoon of brown sugar to build a deep sweet-savory base, then refrigerated biscuit halves rim the casserole edge for a buttery bread border that bakes up golden.

Place the biscuit halves cut-side-down around the perimeter, not in the middle. The center of the casserole steams them too much and they come out soggy, while the edges get oven heat from above and crisp up properly.

Use pork and beans rather than plain navy beans for the right flavor. The little chunks of pork carry through and balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

Kitchen Tips

• Brown the beef in a large skillet, then build the entire filling there before transferring
• Use a smoky BBQ sauce for more depth. Sweet sauces push the dish into cloying territory.
• Sprinkle the cheese on right before biscuits go on so it melts into the top crust
• Let rest 5 minutes after baking so the filling sets enough to scoop neatly
• Leftovers reheat well covered in the microwave. The biscuits stay decent.

Variations

• Sub turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a leaner version
• Use crescent roll dough rolled into rounds in place of biscuits
• Top with sliced jalapenos along with the cheese for spicy heat