If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that balances savory ground beef, tender green beans, and that irresistible crispy topping, you’re going to love this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe. It’s everything you want in a casserole—easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe has a nostalgic charm but with a satisfying twist that makes every bite deeply satisfying. Whether you’re a casserole veteran or trying this style for the first time, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity, yet each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a rich, balanced dish. From protein to creamy and crunchy textures, these ingredients come together harmoniously to make magic happen.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty, savory depth and protein as the base of the casserole.
- 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained: Adds freshness and a pop of green color with tender yet slightly crisp texture.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Brings creamy richness that ties ingredients together with earthy flavor.
- ½ cup milk: Lightens the sauce and ensures the casserole stays moist and velvety.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to create a gooey, golden layer that’s comforting and flavorful.
- 1 cup French fried onions: Offers irresistible crunch and a touch of sweetness on top.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory punch without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the depth of flavor and harmonizes perfectly with the beef.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to season and highlight all the other delicious ingredients.
How to Make Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole will bake evenly and develop the perfect texture by the time it’s done.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and stir together the cooked ground beef, drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mixing these components now ensures every bite will be packed with delicious flavor.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, then spread your beef and green bean mixture evenly across the bottom. This helps the casserole cook evenly and makes serving a breeze.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Layer
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. This layer will melt and form a rich, bubbling blanket of cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, giving the cheese time to melt and the casserole to become bubbly and fragrant.
Step 7: Add the Topping and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the surface. Return it to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the onions turn golden brown and irresistibly crispy.
How to Serve Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To keep things fresh and vibrant, try garnishing this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or chives. It adds a lovely burst of color and a subtle herbal note that complements the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole is filling on its own but pairs brilliantly with crisp garden salads, buttery dinner rolls, or even a tangy coleslaw. These sides bring balance by adding freshness and texture contrasts for a well-rounded meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or cast-iron skillets for a rustic, cozy vibe. You can also prepare mini versions topped with extra fried onions to turn them into perfect party appetizers everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavor so you can enjoy it again without losing any of its charm.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole if you want to stash a meal for later. Just transfer it to a freezer-safe container or cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will keep up to 3 months—perfect for busy nights when you want homemade comfort without the prep.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbling. This will help retain the crispy onion topping and fresh flavors. Microwave reheating works for quick meals but might soften the crunchiness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans add great color and texture; just blanch them briefly before mixing in to keep them tender but crisp in the casserole.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe?
You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup to make this dish meat-free without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that the French fried onions are gluten-free or substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers for the crunchy topping.
What can I do if the casserole looks too dry?
Mix in a little extra milk or a splash of broth before baking to boost moisture if your casserole feels thick or dry. This helps keep it creamy and delicious.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, diced onions, or even frozen peas can be tossed in to add extra veggies and round out the flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the hearty comfort and simple pleasures of this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe. It’s effortless to whip up, delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and makes any dinner feel special. I highly encourage you to give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it!
Print
Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring savory ground beef, tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese, topped with crispy French fried onions. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole brings classic flavors together in a quick and easy baked dish.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
Dairy and Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings and Seasonings
- 1 cup French fried onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking your casserole evenly.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess fat to avoid greasiness in your casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned ground beef, drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well blended.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture to create a flavorful, melty topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and the cheese has melted beautifully.
- Add Onions and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle French fried onions evenly on top, then return it to the oven to bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For a lower sodium version, use reduced-sodium canned green beans and cream of mushroom soup.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter option.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes instead of baking those final minutes.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from chilled.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
