There’s something magical about digging a spoon into a hot, creamy Hamburger Green Bean Casserole and watching the cheese stretch as you serve it up. This dish is the very embodiment of comfort food—simple enough for a weeknight, yet so satisfying it often disappears before you know it. Combining savory ground beef, tender green beans, classic cream of mushroom soup, and a punchy onion topping, it’s the kind of casserole you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re stretching your grocery budget or serving a hungry crowd, Hamburger Green Bean Casserole always comes through in flavor and nostalgia.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best thing about Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is how every humble ingredient works together to create something truly heartwarming. Each item brings a necessary taste, texture, or color, making this dish irresistibly delicious and delightfully simple to pull together.
- Ground beef: The savory foundation of the casserole, lending richness and a meaty bite in every serving.
- Canned green beans: Tender and perfectly cooked, they bring a pop of color and comforting flavor—canned makes prep a breeze!
- Cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and a deep, earthy taste that ties the filling together.
- Milk: Thins the soup just enough for a creamy, scoopable consistency.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts atop the casserole for a gooey, golden finish with just the right sharpness.
- French fried onions: Crispy, salty, and slightly sweet—these take the topping to the next level.
- Garlic powder: An easy way to deepen the savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle onion flavor even beyond the crunchy topping.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for rounding out all the other flavors—taste and adjust as you mix.
How to Make Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
To ensure your casserole comes out bubbly and perfectly golden on top, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting your oven hot before you start baking is a small step that guarantees even cooking and a beautiful finish every time.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef. Use a spatula or spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Sauté for about 6 to 8 minutes, until there are no pink bits remaining. Don’t forget to drain off any extra fat—this keeps your Hamburger Green Bean Casserole rich but never greasy.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Transfer the browned beef to a large mixing bowl. Add the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is creamy and well blended. This is where the magic happens—the seasonings mingle with the soup and meat, creating a savory base for your casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spray or grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (a little nonstick spray goes a long way here!). Spread your beef and green bean mixture evenly in the dish, making sure to reach every corner. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese in an even layer over the top—this glorious cheesy blanket will melt as it bakes, creating a luscious topping.
Step 5: Bake and Add the Crunch
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until it’s hot and the cheese is bubbling away. Carefully remove the dish, then scatter the French fried onions evenly over the top. Pop it back into the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes—just enough to turn those onions golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving, which makes it easier to slice and serve.
How to Serve Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or snipped chives over Hamburger Green Bean Casserole adds a lovely pop of color and a delicate, herby note. A quick crack of black pepper or a dash of paprika also brings out the dish’s homey spirit. For a touch of freshness, a dollop of sour cream brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside simple sides—a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted carrots are great options for balance, and they add just the right amount of texture and color. Crusty bread or homemade biscuits are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, completing your meal in classic style.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping Hamburger Green Bean Casserole into individual ramekins for a fun dinner party twist or serving it in a deep pie dish for a rustic farmhouse vibe. For a weeknight, stack leftovers over mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting bowl meal. If you love food with flair, scatter extra fried onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got some leftover Hamburger Green Bean Casserole? Lucky you! Simply transfer cooled portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making each reheated bite somehow even better.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole (but leave off the fried onions), wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and then a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer—just add the fried onions during the last 10 minutes to keep them crisp and golden.
Reheating
To reheat the whole casserole, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot, about 20 minutes. If you’re heating up just a slice or two, the microwave works well too—just cover to lock in moisture, and add extra fried onions if needed for that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! For fresh green beans, blanch them for a few minutes in boiling water before mixing in. Frozen green beans should be thawed and drained well to keep the casserole from getting watery. Both options give a lovely, vibrant texture and color.
Can I make Hamburger Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. If baking cold from the fridge, add about 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time. Wait to add the French fried onions until just before the final few minutes in the oven.
Can I substitute the meat for turkey or chicken?
You sure can. Ground turkey or chicken both work beautifully, yielding a lighter version without losing that soul-soothing casserole flavor. Just be sure to brown the meat thoroughly for best results.
What other cheeses taste good in Hamburger Green Bean Casserole?
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment! Monterey Jack, Colby, mozzarella, or even Swiss bring their own twist on gooey goodness. Mixing a couple of types adds extra depth and a pretty marbled look on top.
How do I keep the fried onions crispy?
The fried onions crisp up best when sprinkled on just for the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking. If you know you’ll have leftovers, keep a little extra aside and add fresh when reheating individual portions for crunch that lasts.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a dinnertime classic—it’s fuss-free, endlessly comforting, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Give it a try and see how quickly it earns a spot in your regular meal rotation. I can’t wait for you to enjoy all that bubbling, cheesy goodness—don’t forget to sneak a bite right from the pan (chef’s treat!).
PrintHamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a classic and comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and a crunchy topping. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole recipe is easy to make and delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 pound
Green Beans, drained:
1 can (15 oz)
Cream of Mushroom Soup:
1 can (10.5 oz)
Milk:
½ cup
Shredded Cheddar Cheese:
1 cup
French Fried Onions:
1 cup
Garlic Powder:
1 teaspoon
Onion Powder:
1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper:
To taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Mix the Filling: Combine cooked beef with green beans, soup, milk, seasonings. Mix well.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread mixture in a greased baking dish. Top with cheese.
- Bake and Finish: Bake for 25 minutes, then add fried onions and bake for additional 5–10 minutes.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken.
- Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or chicken for a different taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
