Welcome to the intersection of classic comfort and weeknight convenience! This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole recipe is the hearty, flavorful dish your dinner rotation has been missing. It combines the creamy, savory goodness of a traditional green bean casserole with the satisfying richness of seasoned ground beef, creating a one-dish meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. If you’re searching for a simple, family-pleasing meal, you’ve found it.
This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a modern twist on a nostalgic favorite. It’s perfect for a chilly evening, a potluck contribution, or whenever you need a guaranteed dinner winner. We’ve made sure this recipe is straightforward, using accessible ingredients to get a delicious meal on the table with minimal fuss.
Why This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a Must-Try
You’ll fall in love with this recipe for its simplicity and incredible flavor. The ground beef makes it a complete meal, packed with protein and hearty texture that elevates the classic side dish into a main course. It’s the perfect all-in-one dinner solution.
This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your family’s preferences. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option, saving you precious time on busy weeknights. It’s the kind of comforting, reliable recipe you’ll return to again and again.
The Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Casserole
The beauty of this ground beef green bean casserole lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the final, delicious product.
The Best Ground Beef to Use
We recommend using an 85/15 or 90/10 lean ground beef. This provides enough fat to add flavor while cooking but prevents the final casserole from being overly greasy. Be sure to drain any excess fat after browning the meat for the best texture.
Canned vs. Fresh Green Beans
For convenience and that classic casserole texture, canned cut green beans are the go-to choice. They are already cooked and ready to mix in. If you prefer, you can certainly use fresh or frozen green beans; just be sure to blanch them first so they cook through in the oven.
The Creamy Sauce Base
The classic creamy sauce starts with condensed cream of mushroom soup. It provides a savory, umami-rich base that brings everything together. We’ll also add a splash of milk and some soy sauce to deepen the flavor and create the perfect consistency.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create a flawless casserole every time. We’ve broken it down to ensure it’s easy for even the most novice cook.
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients: To the skillet with the beef, add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir until well combined. Gently fold in the drained green beans, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and two-thirds of the crispy fried onions.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- First Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Add Toppings and Final Bake: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the onions are golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set up slightly, making it easier to serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole Ever
A few small tricks can take your Hamburger Green Bean Casserole from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- Don’t Overmix: When you fold in the green beans and onions, do it gently. Overmixing can break down the beans and make the casserole mushy.
- Season the Beef Well: Don’t be shy when seasoning the ground beef as it browns. This is your first and best opportunity to build a deep, savory flavor foundation.
- Cheese is Key: For the best melt, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting as smoothly.
Fun Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great canvas for your culinary creativity. For another easy and cheesy meal idea, you might enjoy these Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups.
- Add More Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, corn, or even diced carrots can be added with the ground beef for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the soup mixture for a little kick.
- Different Toppings: Instead of crispy onions, try crushed crackers, breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, or even tater tots for a fun twist. If you like bacon-topped dishes, you’ll love these Bacon Cheeseburger Pinwheels.
What to Serve with Your Casserole
This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A fresh garden salad, fluffy dinner rolls, or a side of mashed potatoes would all be excellent choices. For dessert, something sweet and simple like these S'mores Gingerbread Cookie Bars would be a perfect finish.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
This casserole is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire casserole dish back in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can assemble the casserole without the toppings and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed, adding the toppings for the last 5-7 minutes of cook time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole without the toppings up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the initial bake time when cooking from cold.
Absolutely. If using fresh green beans, trim them and blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes. If using frozen green beans, thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the casserole mixture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for individual portions or place the casserole back in a 350°F oven until it’s heated through.
Yes, it is. Assemble the casserole but do not bake it and leave off the final toppings (cheese and onions). Cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding the toppings for the last 5-7 minutes.
If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom, you can substitute it with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or cheddar cheese soup for a different flavor profile. A homemade cream sauce would also work beautifully.
The Perfect Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Hamburger Green Bean Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the meat is browned. Drain off excess grease.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Gently fold in the drained green beans, 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese, and 2/3 cup of the crispy fried onions.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and 2/3 cup of onions over the top. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the onions are golden.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Share Your Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this amazing Hamburger Green Bean Casserole. It’s a true comfort food champion that we know your family will love. When you make it, be sure to leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest so you can always find it.
