When it comes to family dinners, nothing beats a dish that’s both comforting and incredibly easy to make. This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is exactly that – a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Imagine tender ground beef, crisp-tender green beans, and a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions. It’s the ultimate expression of delicious, no-fuss home cooking.
This recipe takes the classic green bean casserole we all know and love and elevates it into a complete meal by adding savory ground beef. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen, but it’s also special enough for a casual gathering. Let's dive into how to create this deliciousness!
Why You'll Love This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
This isn't just another casserole; it’s a meal solution that offers:
- Quick Preparation: With minimal chopping and simple steps, you can have this baking in no time.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common pantry staples, it’s kind on your wallet.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it with different cheeses, vegetables, or even a different type of ground meat.
- Ultimate Comfort: Warm, creamy, and cheesy – it's the definition of comfort food.
Ready to bring this delightful dish to your table? Grab your Quality Chef's Knife for the onions, and let's get cooking!
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful casserole. You'll find most of these are likely already in your kitchen!
For the Hearty Base:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen or canned green beans, drained
For the Creamy Sauce & Seasoning:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Perfect Topping:
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (optional, but highly recommended!)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create a bubbling, golden-brown Hamburger Green Bean Casserole that everyone will adore.
Preparing the Foundation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is perfectly ready for baking once the casserole is assembled.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain off any excess grease. For best practices on meat safety, you can always refer to resources like FoodSafety.gov.
Step 3: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, and the mixture is fragrant.
Assembling and Baking Your Casserole
Step 4: Add the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything together until all ingredients are well combined and the sauce is creamy.
Step 5: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the entire casserole mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
Step 7: If you're using crispy fried onions, sprinkle them over the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking. This allows them to crisp up perfectly without burning.
Tips, Tricks, and Variations
This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is fantastic as is, but it's also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment!
- Add More Veggies: Stir in frozen corn, peas, diced carrots, or sliced mushrooms along with the green beans for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick.
- Cheese Swap: Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend can replace cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Make it a Skillet Meal: For a twist on the green bean theme, check out our recipe for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Green Beans Skillet.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a side of cornbread. For another comforting dish, consider our Spinach & Feta Patties.
Conclusion: A New Family Favorite Awaits!
This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole truly embodies what we love about home cooking: it's simple, satisfying, and brings smiles to everyone at the table. It's a testament to how humble ingredients can transform into something truly extraordinary.
Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy Tuesday or preparing it for a relaxed weekend meal, this casserole is guaranteed to deliver. Give it a try, and let us know your favorite ways to enjoy or customize it in the comments below!
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen or canned?
Yes, absolutely! If using fresh green beans, blanch them first by boiling for 3-4 minutes, then draining and rinsing under cold water. This ensures they are tender enough when baked in the casserole.
Can I prepare this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
This casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the entire dish (without baking) and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if it's going into the oven cold.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If cream of mushroom soup isn't your preference, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are excellent alternatives. For a homemade option, you can create a simple bu00e9chamel sauce with butter, flour, and milk, then add sautu00e9ed mushrooms or other flavorings.
Are crispy fried onions necessary for this casserole?
While not strictly necessary, crispy fried onions add a wonderful texture and a savory, slightly sweet flavor that truly complements the casserole. If you prefer to skip them, you can use buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a different crunchy topping.
Classic Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring savory ground beef, tender green beans, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups frozen or canned green beans, drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup crispy fried onions (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Use a spoon to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onions are soft and everything is nicely fragrant.
Step 4: Add the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder into the skillet with the beef, onion, and garlic mixture. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
Step 5: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and pour the mixture in. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly.
Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden.
Step 7: If you're using crispy fried onions, sprinkle them on top during the last 5 minutes of baking to get them perfectly crunchy.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. This casserole reheats well and makes for great leftovers!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
