Name: Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 4 cups fresh or frozen green beans; 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup French fried onions, divided; 1/2 cup milk; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)

Craving comfort food? Try this savory Hamburger Green Bean Casserole packed with hearty flavors and easy prep. This dish combines juicy ground beef, tender green beans, and a creamy, flavorful sauce baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect family-friendly meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table with minimal fuss and maximum taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You only need pantry staples and a few fresh additions for a delicious, wholesome dish.
Hearty and Comforting: The rich, meaty flavors paired with crisp-tender green beans create a cozy meal.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this classic casserole with familiar, tasty ingredients.
One-Dish Wonder: Easy to prepare and clean up involves just a single casserole dish.
Versatile Meal: Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or holiday gatherings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients come together to deliver the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Hamburger Green Bean Casserole. Each component plays a key role in making the dish satisfying and vibrant.

Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a juicy, flavorful base without excess fat.
Green Beans: Fresh or frozen green beans add a vibrant color and crisp-tender bite.
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This creates the creamy, savory sauce that ties everything together.
French Fried Onions: Used both in the mix and as a crunchy topping for irresistible texture.
Milk: Helps thin the sauce for the perfect creamy consistency without heaviness.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder enhance and balance the flavors naturally.

Variations

Feel free to customize the Hamburger Green Bean Casserole to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. This recipe is incredibly flexible, making it easy to swap ingredients while preserving delicious results.

Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a rich, gooey addition.
Low-Carb Version: Replace traditional fried onions with crushed pork rinds or almond flour topping.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
Extra Veggies: Mix in sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or chopped onions for added nutrition and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to bring some heat.

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Easy Recipe

How to Make Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender; if frozen, thaw and drain well to avoid excess moisture.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink; drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

Combine condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk, seasoning with a pinch of garlic powder and salt to create a smooth, creamy sauce base.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef, green beans, soup mixture, and half of the French fried onions until evenly coated.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, top with remaining fried onions, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Pro Tips for Making Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Drain Well: Ensuring green beans and ground beef are properly drained keeps the casserole from becoming watery.
Use Fresh Onions: Freshly opened French fried onions deliver the best crunch and flavor.
Don’t Overbake: Bake just until bubbly and golden to keep textures perfect and prevent dryness.
Season in Layers: Taste and adjust seasoning at multiple points to build depth of flavor.
Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving for easier slicing and serving.

How to Serve Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or chopped green onions add a fresh, vibrant touch that balances the richness of the casserole.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or a light garden salad to complete the meal with complementary textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Use mini casserole dishes or ramekins for individual servings at dinner parties, or layer with cheese for a decadent topping that melts beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well; prepare fully, cool, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months for easy meal prep later.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until hot throughout to restore creamy texture and crisp topping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh green beans will provide a fresher taste and firmer texture, just be sure to blanch them beforehand to retain their vibrant color and tenderness.

Is there a dairy-free option for this casserole?

Yes, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk to keep the dish creamy and allergy-friendly.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

You can replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute to create a tasty vegetarian version that’s just as hearty.

How do I make the crispy onion topping extra crunchy?

Wait to add the French fried onions until the last 10 minutes of baking or sprinkle some on right before serving for maximum crispness.

What other soups can I use besides cream of mushroom?

Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup make good alternatives and will slightly change the flavor profile while keeping the casserole creamy and rich.

Final Thoughts

The Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a comforting, delicious solution for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. With its simple ingredients, flexible preparations, and classic flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite. Dive in and savor every bite of this satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free Option (if using gluten-free fried onions), Dairy-Free Option available with substitutions

Print Recipe

Description

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a savory, comforting dish combining juicy ground beef, tender green beans, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy French fried onions. This easy-to-make, one-dish meal is family-friendly, flexible, and perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or holiday dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
4 cups fresh or frozen green beans
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup French fried onions, divided
1/2 cup milk
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender; if using frozen, thaw and drain well to remove excess moisture.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk. Add a pinch of garlic powder and salt to taste, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked ground beef, green beans, soup mixture, and half of the French fried onions until everything is evenly coated.
Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Top with the remaining French fried onions. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.