If you’re in the mood for something cozy, hearty, and wonderfully old-school, let me introduce you to Hamburger Green Bean Casserole—your new weeknight hero. This dish is pure comfort on a plate, with savory ground beef, tender green beans, creamy sauce, and golden potatoes all baked together into a warm, bubbly masterpiece.
It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug after a long day—familiar, satisfying, and just plain delicious. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hungry teens, or just craving something that reminds you of home, trust me—this one’s a keeper. And the best part? It comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. No fancy steps or complicated techniques—just real, good food.
Why You’ll Love Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect as a standalone meal or paired with a side salad or crusty bread. It fits weeknights, potlucks, and Sunday dinners alike.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry and freezer staples—ground beef, canned soup, green beans, and potatoes. No frills, all flavor.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here. Brown the beef, mix it up, layer it in, and bake. You’ve got this, even on your busiest night.
Customizable: Add cheese, spices, or swap in sweet potatoes or fresh green beans. It’s a forgiving recipe that works with what you’ve got.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s savory, creamy, and totally satisfying—kids and grown-ups alike go back for seconds.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
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Ingredients in Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
This casserole is all about simple, hearty ingredients coming together to make something greater than the sum of its parts. Here’s what goes into it:
Ground Beef
The base of the casserole—savory, juicy, and full of flavor. Browned and seasoned to bring richness to every bite.
Green Beans
You can use canned, frozen, or fresh—whatever you have on hand. They add texture, color, and a touch of earthiness that balances the richness.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Creates that creamy, dreamy binding that makes casseroles so irresistible. It’s the secret sauce that ties everything together.
Milk
Helps thin the soup just enough to create a smooth, pourable sauce without losing any creaminess.
Potatoes
Sliced or diced, they bake into tender layers that soak up all that savory goodness. Use russet or Yukon gold for the best texture.
Onion
Adds a little sweet-savory depth to the dish. Just enough to keep things interesting.
Salt and Pepper
Simple seasonings that bring balance and enhance every layer of flavor.
Optional Toppings
A sprinkle of shredded cheese, crushed crackers, or French-fried onions on top takes it to the next level.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven is key to getting everything bubbly and golden.
Combine Ingredients
In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Then stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Assemble the Dish
Layer the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the beef and soup mixture evenly over the potatoes. Add the green beans on top and gently spread them out. If you’re using cheese or another topping, now’s the time to sprinkle it over.
Cook to Perfection
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
Finishing Touches
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes out of the oven to firm up and cool slightly before serving. This resting time lets the layers settle into cozy perfection.
Serve and Enjoy
Dish it up while it’s warm and bubbly. It’s one of those meals that just feels like home.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
This dish is already a full meal, but here are a few ways to round it out:
Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
Crusty Bread: Use it to soak up every last bit of creamy sauce—because wasting any of that is just wrong.
Steamed Veggies: Add a side of broccoli, carrots, or corn for a colorful, nutritious plate.
Fruit Salad or Applesauce: These lighter, sweeter sides contrast beautifully with the savory casserole.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Brown the beef and chop your veggies ahead of time so you can assemble and bake with ease.
Spice It Up: A little garlic powder, paprika, or Worcestershire sauce can give the beef layer extra depth.
Dietary Adjustments: Use ground turkey for a lighter version or dairy-free soup and milk to fit specific needs.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Double the Batch: Feeding a crowd? Double it and bake in two pans. You’ll be glad you did.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned or frozen?
A1: Absolutely! Just blanch them first so they’re partially cooked before baking.
Q2: Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake as directed.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions for a quick fix.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just use a larger or additional dish, and you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A7: Not as written, but you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free cream soup and checking all your labels.
Q8: What other veggies can I add?
A8: Try corn, peas, carrots, or even chopped bell peppers for added flavor and color.
Q9: How can I make it more flavorful?
A9: Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, or a sprinkle of your favorite seasoning blend to the beef mixture.
Q10: What kind of potatoes work best?
A10: Russet or Yukon golds are perfect—they hold up well and soak in the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is the definition of comfort food made simple. It’s warm, creamy, savory, and exactly what you want when you’re craving something hearty and nostalgic. Whether you’re feeding your family, prepping for a potluck, or just need a no-fuss dinner that satisfies, this dish has your back. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s a classic. Go ahead—dig in, and enjoy every cozy forkful.
Print
Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty and savory casserole made with ground beef, green beans, and a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for extra crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans green beans, drained
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, divided
- Cooking spray for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in green beans and 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions. Add cheese if using.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Top with remaining fried onions and bake an additional 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen green beans for a fresher taste (blanch before using).
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg