BEST HAMBURGER GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

Picture this: savory seasoned ground beef mingling with tender green beans, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with crispy fried onions for that irresistible crunch; it’s comfort food elevated! This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole brings a satisfying twist to the classic, making it a family favorite you’ll crave again and again, I promise you.

Ingredients

For the Hamburger Mixture:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Green Bean Casserole:

• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups French fried onions, divided

Essential Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Making the Hamburger Mixture

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. The aroma will be amazing!
3. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!
4. Stir in the salt, pepper, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Mix well to combine.

Assembling the Casserole

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans and 1/2 cup of the French fried onions.
2. Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
3. Pour the hamburger mixture over the green bean layer.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hamburger layer.
5. Top with the remaining 1 cup of French fried onions.

Baking Time!

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the French fried onions are golden brown.
2. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit.

Tips for the BEST Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

• Don’t Overcook the Ground Beef: Cook the ground beef until it’s just browned. Overcooking will make it dry.
• Drain the Green Beans Well: Excess moisture can make the casserole soggy.
• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Don’t Burn the Onions: Keep a close eye on the French fried onions during the last few minutes of baking. They can go from golden brown to burnt very quickly.

Variations to Make It Your Own

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or peas to the hamburger mixture.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the hamburger mixture for a little kick.
• Use Different Soup: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.
• Top with Breadcrumbs: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole before baking for a crispy topping.
• Cheese It Up: Try using a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.

Make Ahead Instructions

Want to get ahead of the game? You can assemble the Hamburger Green Bean Casserole a day in advance. Simply prepare all the layers as instructed, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed to ensure it’s heated through.

Freezing Instructions

This casserole freezes beautifully! After baking, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 30-40 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:

• A simple side salad
• Garlic bread
• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a winner because it combines the familiar flavors of a classic green bean casserole with the heartiness of ground beef. The creamy sauce, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions create a symphony of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your preferences.

Other Ground Beef Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of ground beef recipes, here are a few more that you might enjoy. Try out this Cheeseburger Macaroni for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Or perhaps you’d like to try this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole that the whole family will love! If you’re looking for something with potatoes, this Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole is sure to be a hit. For a hands-off version, check out this Slow Cooker Beef And Potato Casserole. Last, but not least, don’t miss this Hamburger Rice Casserole!

A Quick History of Green Bean Casserole

Did you know that the green bean casserole was created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a Campbell Soup Company employee? It was originally designed to showcase the versatility of canned cream of mushroom soup, and it quickly became a Thanksgiving staple. Over the years, many variations have emerged, but the classic combination of green beans, creamy soup, and French fried onions remains a beloved comfort food.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Casserole is too dry: Add a little more milk or cream to the hamburger mixture before baking.
• Casserole is too watery: Make sure to drain the green beans well and avoid overcooking the ground beef.
• French fried onions are burning: Cover the casserole with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
• Casserole is not heating through: Increase the baking time and cover the casserole with foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Per Serving (Based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – the ultimate Hamburger Green Bean Casserole recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve up a comforting and satisfying meal. Get ready to enjoy every delicious bite!

BEST Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole elevates the classic comfort food with savory seasoned ground beef mingling with tender green beans, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Topped with crispy fried onions, it’s a satisfying twist that will become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 375 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spoon
• Can opener
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups French fried onions, divided

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
• Stir in the salt, pepper, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Mix well to combine.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans and 1/2 cup of the French fried onions.
• Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
• Pour the hamburger mixture over the green bean layer.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hamburger layer.
• Top with the remaining 1 cup of French fried onions.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the French fried onions are golden brown.
• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the ground beef; cook it until it’s just browned. Drain the green beans well to prevent a soggy casserole. For best melting, use freshly shredded cheese. Watch the French fried onions closely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning. Casserole can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time. After baking, the casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes.