Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

This comforting Hamburger Green Bean Casserole brings together tender ground beef, crisp green beans, and a rich creamy sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy French fried onions. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that combines protein and vegetables in one satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup French fried onions
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
  7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onions on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.

Variations

  1. Turkey and Green Bean Casserole – Substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option that still delivers hearty flavor and protein.
  2. Cheesy Broccoli Version – Replace green beans with frozen broccoli florets and add an extra 1/2 cup of cheese for a richer, more indulgent casserole.
  3. Mexican-Style Twist – Use ground beef seasoned with cumin and chili powder, add a can of drained corn, and top with Mexican cheese blend and crushed tortilla chips instead of French fried onions.

Cooking Notes

  1. Drain the beef thoroughly – Removing excess fat prevents the casserole from becoming greasy and ensures the creamy sauce maintains its proper consistency.
  2. Don’t overbake the cheese layer – Watch carefully during the final 5-10 minutes to prevent the cheese from becoming tough or the onions from burning.
  3. Let it rest before serving – Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking so the sauce can thicken slightly and make serving easier.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve with warm dinner rolls – Fresh baked rolls or cornbread complement the rich, savory flavors and help soak up the creamy sauce.
  2. Add a fresh side salad – A crisp garden salad with Italian dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole.
  3. Pair with roasted vegetables – Serve alongside roasted carrots or steamed cauliflower to add more vegetables and create a complete, balanced meal.

Tips

  1. Make ahead for busy weeknights – Assemble the casserole up to the cheese layer, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then add cheese and bake when ready.
  2. Use fresh green beans when in season – Blanch 1 pound of fresh green beans for 3-4 minutes for better texture and flavor than canned.
  3. Customize the crunch factor – Try different toppings like crushed crackers, breadcrumbs mixed with butter, or even crushed potato chips for variety.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Protein: 25g
  • Sodium: 680mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? – Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes if baking straight from the refrigerator.
  2. What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup? – You can use cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, or make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken broth for a similar creamy base.
  3. How do I store leftovers and how long do they last? – Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
  4. Can I freeze this casserole? – Yes, this casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

This Hearty Hamburger and Green Bean Casserole delivers comfort food satisfaction in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender green beans, and creamy mushroom sauce topped with melted cheese and crispy onions creates a complete meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this versatile casserole can be customized with your favorite ingredients and made ahead for ultimate convenience. Serve it alongside fresh bread and a simple salad for a satisfying dinner that everyone will request again and again.

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Hamburger Green Bean Casserole


  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This comforting Hamburger Green Bean Casserole brings together tender ground beef, crisp green beans, and a rich creamy sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy French fried onions. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that combines protein and vegetables in one satisfying dish that the whole family will love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup French fried onions
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
  7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onions on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.

Notes

For extra flavor, try using 80/20 ground beef. You can substitute fresh green beans (blanched) for canned if preferred. This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking – just add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: casserole, ground beef, green beans, comfort food, family dinner, easy weeknight meal

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