Hamburger Green Bean Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Bake
Easy, Cheesy, and Hearty: A Family Favorite
If you’re craving something warm, satisfying, and packed with classic flavors, look no further than this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole. This all-in-one meal brings together juicy ground beef, tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy French fried onions in every comforting bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy Sundays, it’s the kind of casserole that everyone will ask for again and again.
Why This Casserole Works
- Quick and budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients you may already have on hand.
- Minimal prep: Just a bit of browning, mixing, and layering—then let the oven do the work.
- Ultimate comfort: Rich, creamy, and topped with everyone’s favorite crispy onions.
- Family-approved: Kid-friendly, reheats well, and makes enough for leftovers.
Ingredients
- 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
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Brown the Beef
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain off any excess fat so your casserole won’t be greasy.
2. Mix the Filling
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well so everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spoon the beef and green bean mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
4. Add Cheese & Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
5. Top with French Fried Onions
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and scatter the French fried onions over the melted cheese. Return to the oven for another 5–10 minutes, or until the onions are crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and scoop generous portions for your family or guests—watch as everyone comes back for seconds!
Serving Suggestions & Tips
- Pair with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to round out the meal.
- This casserole makes great leftovers—reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven.
- Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- For a lower-carb version, use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned, and swap half the cheese for reduced-fat cheese.
Twists & Variations
- Swap ground turkey or chicken for beef to lighten it up.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, red bell pepper, or corn to the filling for more veggies and color.
- Use cream of chicken or celery soup if you prefer a different flavor.
- Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle kick.
- Top with extra cheese if you want it even gooier.
Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
Hamburger green bean casserole has stood the test of time because it’s easy, filling, and totally comforting. It’s the kind of dish you’ll crave after a long day, and the simple ingredients mean you can whip it up on short notice. Kids and adults alike love the combo of tender beef, creamy sauce, and crispy onions. Keep this recipe handy for busy nights, potlucks, or whenever you want classic comfort food with zero fuss.
With one pan and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a family-friendly meal on the table in under an hour—what’s not to love?
Nutrition & Info
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
A Comfort Food Classic, Reimagined
One of the best things about Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is how it brings people together around the table. With its cozy flavors and nostalgic appeal, it’s the type of dish that gets everyone talking, sharing stories, and reaching for seconds. The savory aroma as it bakes in the oven is sure to draw family members to the kitchen, eager to see what’s for dinner.
You might find that this casserole quickly becomes a weekly staple in your home. It’s perfect for those nights when you need something reliable that pleases picky eaters and grown-ups alike. The recipe is also flexible—if you’re feeding a larger group, simply double the ingredients and use a larger pan. Leftovers hold up well in the fridge, making tomorrow’s lunch as satisfying as tonight’s dinner.
Reader’s Inspiration
Don’t be surprised if your family requests this casserole for special occasions, holidays, or after a long day when everyone craves something warm and filling. It’s also a wonderful recipe to teach young cooks or to pass down through generations. Simple steps and affordable ingredients make it a fantastic choice for beginner home cooks or college students wanting a taste of home.
If you love to share recipes, consider bringing Hamburger Green Bean Casserole to a potluck or making an extra pan for a neighbor. It’s the kind of dish that sparks conversation and creates fond memories, bite after bite.
Keep It Fresh
While this recipe honors tradition, feel free to give it your own signature touch. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten the flavor, and a squeeze of lemon over each portion adds a touch of brightness. For extra nutrition, stir in a handful of spinach or kale before baking—the creamy, cheesy sauce ensures even veggie skeptics will enjoy every bite.
No matter how you prepare it, Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a guaranteed comfort on any dinner table. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to serve up a true classic. After one forkful, you’ll see why this recipe never goes out of style.
