Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Savory hamburger green bean casserole with creamy sauce and crispy topping—quick, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners!

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the beautiful simplicity here. Each ingredient in this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole serves a real purpose, adding either savory depth, comforting creaminess, or crave-worthy crunch. Gather these kitchen staples, and you’re well on your way to casserole bliss.

  • Lean ground beef: Delivers savory richness and heartiness that forms the backbone of the casserole.
  • Diced yellow onion: Brings subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the dish.
  • Minced garlic: Gives a gentle flavor kick—fresh or jarred both work beautifully.
  • Condensed cream of mushroom soup: The creamy, earthy binder that ties everything together effortlessly.
  • Milk: Helps mellow and smooth out the sauce, making it extra luscious.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds a touch of umami and savory zing that brightens up the beef.
  • Salt: Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste if using lower-sodium soup.
  • Black pepper: Rounds out the flavors with a little mild heat.
  • Onion powder: Elevates the onion flavor to the next level—so good in casseroles.
  • Frozen or canned green beans, drained: Keep things easy yet nutritious; both bring great texture and color.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: For gooey, melty richness that everyone looks forward to.
  • Crispy fried onions: That unbeatable topping for salty crunch and golden finish.

How to Make Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures you’re ready to pop the casserole in and helps everything cook evenly once assembled. A preheated oven makes the cheese melt and the onions crisp up just right!

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef with the diced yellow onion. Stir occasionally, breaking up the meat, until it’s beautifully browned and the onion has softened—this usually takes around 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat for a lighter casserole base.

Step 3: Add Garlic for Flavor

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just one minute. This step unlocks the garlic’s fragrant punch without letting it burn, infusing your Hamburger Green Bean Casserole with just the right hint of savoriness.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Time to create that signature creamy sauce! Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until the beef is well-coated and every bite will burst with flavor.

Step 5: Add Green Beans

Now fold in the green beans—make sure they’re well-drained if you’re using canned, or thawed if frozen. This mix should heat just until it’s nice and steamy, coating every bean with the creamy, savory beef mixture.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the warm mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly—you want every scoop to have a perfect blend of beef, beans, and sauce.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the top. As it bakes, the cheese melts into a golden, gooey blanket that takes this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole from “good” to completely irresistible.

Step 8: Bake and Add the Crunch

Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, remove it and scatter crispy fried onions across the cheesy top. Return it to the oven for about 5 more minutes—just long enough for those onions to become deeply golden and extra crunchy.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This short pause helps everything set so you get those perfect, satisfying scoops every time.

How to Serve Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Add a shower of freshly chopped parsley for a pretty pop of green and a little extra freshness. A dash of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give your Hamburger Green Bean Casserole just a hint of extra zip, too.

Side Dishes

This casserole is irresistibly hearty, but it loves company. Serve alongside warm dinner rolls, fluffy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for contrast. Even a simple applesauce side can be a sweet foil to the rich, savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, try baking individual portions in oven-safe ramekins or mini casserole dishes—these make for fun, personalized servings. For potlucks, you can scoop out portions straight from the dish and top each with a few additional crispy onions or a dollop of sour cream for a playful twist on the classic Hamburger Green Bean Casserole experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hamburger Green Bean Casserole keeps beautifully! Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and you’ll have an easy lunch or quick dinner ready to go.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the unbaked Hamburger Green Bean Casserole (up to the point before adding the fried onions) in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the onions, and bake as directed—no one will ever guess it was made ahead!

Reheating

Gently reheat individual servings in the microwave (loosely covered) for 1-2 minutes, or warm larger portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Add a handful of fresh crispy onions if you crave that signature crunch revived.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey for the beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works really well in this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole, making it a bit lighter but still just as comforting and satisfying. You may want to up your seasoning slightly since turkey is milder than beef.

Is it possible to use fresh green beans?

Yes! If you have fresh green beans on hand, just trim and blanch them briefly in boiling water until bright green and slightly tender. Drain well before adding to the casserole—the extra freshness is wonderful.

Can I make Hamburger Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble everything except the crispy fried onions a day in advance, cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the fried onions and pop it in the oven. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeks or gatherings.

How do I make it gluten free?

Choose a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and be sure your crispy fried onions and Worcestershire sauce are gluten free (always check the labels). With those easy swaps, you can enjoy a gluten-free Hamburger Green Bean Casserole that’s just as tasty.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Just use a larger baking dish or two standard 9×13-inch pans, and increase the ingredients accordingly. This casserole feeds a crowd well and is always a hit at potlucks or family gatherings.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole finds a spot on your table and in your heart. It’s one of those memorable, soul-soothing dishes that come together with ease and disappear even faster! Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if your family requests it on repeat. Happy cooking!

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Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Delicious Recipe


4.6 from 238 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Savory hamburger green bean casserole with creamy sauce and crispy topping—quick, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 4 cups frozen or canned green beans, drained

For Topping

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to bake the casserole once it’s assembled.
  2. Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced yellow onion until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onion is soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
  3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Make the Sauce: Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and onion powder to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and smooth.
  5. Incorporate the Green Beans: Gently fold in the drained green beans, mixing until the beans are evenly coated and the mixture is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  7. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
  8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Add Crispy Onions and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes, until the onions are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
  10. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef if preferred.
  • Both fresh and canned green beans work in this recipe; if using fresh, blanch them first for best texture.
  • Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 790 kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 1180mg
  • Fat: 47g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: 1.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 47g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg