Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings smiles to every table, look no further than Hamburger Green Bean Casserole. This cozy, creamy classic layers savory ground beef, vibrant green beans, and a luscious blend of cheese and mushroom soup—all crowned with crispy French fried onions. It’s the sort of recipe that turns a weeknight into a celebration, stirs up childhood memories, and guarantees there won’t be any leftovers!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the most magical things about Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is how it transforms a handful of humble, pantry-friendly items into pure dinnertime bliss. Each ingredient adds its own touch—whether it’s silky, hearty, crunchy, or cheesy—so don’t skip a thing!

• Ground beef: The foundation—rich, savory, and protein-packed, it anchors the whole casserole.
• Onion: Chopped onion brings sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
• Garlic: A couple of minced cloves kick up the aroma and round out the flavor.
• Green beans: Canned green beans give vibrant color and a perfect pop of veggie goodness in every bite.
• Cream of mushroom soup: This pantry staple unites the ingredients with its ultra-creamy, umami-rich nature.
• Milk: Just a splash makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and prevents dryness.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar melts beautifully, adding that irresistible gooeyness casserole lovers crave.
• Salt and pepper: These simple seasonings ensure every bite sings with flavor.
• French fried onions: The showstopping, ultra-crunchy topping that makes every forkful a delight!

How to Make Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you the perfect amount of time for prep—by the time your casserole is assembled, the oven will be ready to work its magic!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as you go. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole luscious, not greasy.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Toss the chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet with the beef. Let them sizzle and soften, stirring often—about 5 minutes is all you need for the onion to turn beautifully translucent and aromatic. This little step adds an incredible base flavor to your Hamburger Green Bean Casserole.

Step 4: Mix Up the Casserole Filling

Now for the fun part! Stir in your drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is blissfully coated in creamy, cheesy goodness. The mixture will look rich and plentiful—exactly what you want!

Step 5: Assemble in a Baking Dish

Spoon the entire mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. You’re already halfway to casserole heaven, and the best part is yet to come.

Step 6: Add French Fried Onions

Sprinkle those iconic French fried onions generously over the top, making sure every nook gets a little crunch. This step is non-negotiable—it’s the crispy crown that gives Hamburger Green Bean Casserole its signature character.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Carefully pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is bubbling and the onion topping is golden brown and begging to be forked through. Let it cool for a few minutes, so you don’t burn your tongue in your excitement!

How to Serve Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Garnishes

For a fresh finish, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top. They not only add a lovely pop of color, but their brightness perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy flavors within. You can also add an extra scattering of fresh ground pepper for a gourmet touch.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with warm dinner rolls, a crisp green salad, or fluffy mashed potatoes. Steamed carrots or roasted Brussels sprouts make for a colorful, nutrition-boosting side—and round out the comfort food vibe!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, bake Hamburger Green Bean Casserole in individual ramekins for dinner party-worthy portions. For weeknight fun, serve it as the hearty filling in hollowed-out baked potatoes, or spoon generous helpings over hot buttered noodles. Extra sprinkle of French fried onions on top is always encouraged!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover Hamburger Green Bean Casserole tightly with foil or a lid, or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to 4 days—making lunch the next day an absolute treat.

Freezing

This casserole freezes surprisingly well! Assemble up to the point of adding French fried onions, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen (add the onions toward the end) or thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Hamburger Green Bean Casserole in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly—about 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re short on time, the microwave works just fine for individual portions. Sprinkle on extra French fried onions after reheating to revive that signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just steam or blanch fresh green beans until crisp-tender before stirring them into the casserole. It adds great texture and a bright, garden-fresh taste to Hamburger Green Bean Casserole.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you’re not a fan of mushrooms or want to switch things up, try cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead. Any condensed “creamed” soup works as a rich, flavorful binder in this casserole.

Can I make Hamburger Green Bean Casserole with ground turkey?

Yes! Ground turkey is a delicious, lighter alternative that still delivers hearty, satisfying results. You can even experiment with a beef/turkey blend if you’d like.

How do I make the topping extra crispy?

For the crunchiest finish, add a bit more French fried onions during the last 5 minutes of baking. This helps prevent them from becoming too soft as the casserole cooks.

Can I assemble Hamburger Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

You sure can! Prepare the filling, spread it in your dish, and refrigerate, covered, up to 24 hours in advance. Sprinkle on the onions just before baking for the absolute best texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tasted the joy of Hamburger Green Bean Casserole, there’s no better time to dive in. It’s classic comfort with a simple, satisfying twist—easy enough for busy nights, impressive enough for a cozy gathering. Grab your casserole dish and treat yourself—you’ll soon have a new family favorite to savor!

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