Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, let me introduce you to my favorite Hamburger Green Bean Casserole. This recipe has been a staple in my home for years, cherished by family and friends alike. It’s one of those meals that just feels like a hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of tender ground beef, crisp green beans, and creamy sauce topped with gooey cheese is simply irresistible!

Not only is this casserole delicious, but it also comes together quickly and easily. You can whip it up in just about 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for when you’re short on time but still want something comforting. Trust me, once you try this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole, it might just become your new go-to recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in under an hour—perfect for those hectic evenings!
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love the hearty flavors; it’s a meal everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Dish: Great for meal prep or potlucks; you can easily double the recipe!
• Comforting Flavors: The creamy sauce combined with cheese delivers that classic comfort food experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delightful Hamburger Green Bean Casserole! These items are easy to find and make for a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ 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

Variations

One of the best parts about this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or your flavor preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Cheese it up: Try different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for added variety.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce if you like some heat!

How to Make Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and come out perfectly bubbly and golden.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. This step is crucial because browning adds depth of flavor while also ensuring the meat is fully cooked. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat after cooking!

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

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 well until everything is nicely blended. This creamy mixture is what brings all the flavors together in our casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. This helps ensure every bite gets that delicious combination of flavors! Then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until it’s bubbly and the cheese has melted beautifully. This step allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together while creating that perfect cheesy top.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping

Remove from the oven and sprinkle French fried onions on top before returning it to bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until golden brown. This final touch adds a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.

Now you’ve created a fantastic Hamburger Green Bean Casserole! Enjoy this comforting dish with family or friends—you’ll be sure to make lasting memories around the dinner table!

Pro Tips for Making Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Making a delicious Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a breeze, and with these helpful tips, you’ll ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Use lean ground beef: Opting for lean ground beef reduces excess grease in your casserole, resulting in a cleaner taste and texture.

• Mix it up with veggies: Feel free to add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even corn for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition in your casserole.

• Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is classic, trying pepper jack or mozzarella can give your casserole a delightful twist that adds both creaminess and a bit of kick.

• Let it rest: After baking, allowing the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving helps the layers settle and makes it easier to serve.

• Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings!

How to Serve Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Serving your Hamburger Green Bean Casserole can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the casserole.
• Sliced green onions: Adding sliced green onions on top provides a crunchy texture and a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness of warm garlic bread pairs perfectly with the creamy casserole, making each bite even more delightful.
• Simple garden salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers brings a refreshing balance to the richness of the casserole.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers add both color and nutrients to your meal while complementing the flavors of the casserole.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as an excellent side dish that enhances the comfort food vibe of your meal.

Enjoy preparing and sharing this delicious Hamburger Green Bean Casserole recipe with friends and family—it’s sure to become a favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is perfect for meal prep and makes weeknight dinners a breeze! You can easily prepare it in advance, store leftovers, or even freeze portions for later. Here’s how to manage your casserole like a pro.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Cool the casserole completely before freezing.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the thawed casserole in a baking dish and cover with foil.
• Heat for about 25–30 minutes or until warmed through.
• If reheating from frozen, add an additional 15-20 minutes to the heating time.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might help you in making this delicious dish.

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes before adding them to your casserole. This will ensure they cook properly and maintain their vibrant color.

How do I make homemade Hamburger Green Bean Casserole?

To make a homemade version, you can create your own cream of mushroom soup using fresh mushrooms, flour, and vegetable broth. Simply sauté mushrooms with onions, whisk in flour and broth until thickened, then mix it into your casserole as directed!

Can I add other vegetables to Hamburger Green Bean Casserole?

Yes! Feel free to customize your casserole by adding other vegetables like corn, peas, or bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if necessary.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole brings warmth and comfort to your home! It’s a delightful blend of flavors that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight yet satisfying enough for family gatherings. Enjoy creating this special dish, and don’t hesitate to share it with loved ones. Happy cooking!