Creamy, comforting, and downright comforting again—this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is everything you want in a weeknight dinner. With juicy browned ground beef, tender green beans, a rich mushroom sauce, and melty cheddar crowned with crispy French fried onions, it hits all the cozy notes without fuss. Fun fact: casseroles like this became popular in the mid-20th century because they were an easy way to stretch ingredients and feed a family on a budget.
This recipe is special because it’s simple, quick to prepare, and family-friendly—perfect for busy evenings or potlucks. If you love classic casseroles, this one rivals a traditional green bean casserole but with hearty ground beef for extra comfort. For another take on green bean dishes, check out this roundup of favorites for more inspiration: https://recipesfiber.com/best-green-bean-casserole/
Give it a try tonight—the smell alone will make everyone head for the table!
What is Hamburger Green Bean Casserole?
What’s in a name? Hamburger Green Bean Casserole blends the best of a traditional green bean casserole with browned hamburger (ground beef) for a heartier meal. Why call it that—because names should be honest, right? Who wouldn’t want a casserole that tells you exactly what’s inside? Maybe it got its name in a diner where someone asked, “What’s in this dish?” and the cook simply answered with the truth—and a wink.
This dish pairs practical comfort with a touch of nostalgia; after all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” But it’s not just for the guys—everyone will love the creamy texture and crispy topping. Curious? Roll up your sleeves and give it a go.
Why You’ll Love This:
- Hearty, comforting main: The star is the creamy mushroom sauce and savory ground beef that make this more of a complete meal than a side dish.
- Cost-effective and family-friendly: Canned green beans and soup keep costs low while feeding a crowd; great for budget-conscious cooks or busy families.
- Flavor and texture contrast: Smooth, saucy filling balanced by sharp cheddar and crunchy French fried onions creates a satisfying bite every time.
If you enjoy the flavors here, you might also like a sausage and potato version that adds another comforting twist—see a tasty variation here: https://recipesfiber.com/sausage-green-bean-potato-casserole/
Ready to make something simple and delicious? Let’s get cooking.
How to Make:
Quick Overview
This casserole is easy: brown the beef, mix with green beans and a creamy mushroom base, top with cheddar, bake until bubbly, then finish with crispy onions. It’s quick on hands-on time (about 15 minutes) and bakes in about 30–35 minutes, giving you a total of roughly 45 minutes from start to table. The standout elements are the creamy sauce and the crunchy onion topping—comfort in every spoonful.
Approximate time:
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Bake: 30–35 minutes
- Total: 45–50 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, raw
- 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, regular or low-sodium
- 1/2 cup milk, room temperature
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, freshly shredded for best melt
- 1 cup French fried onions, store-bought
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the 1 lb ground beef. Brown the beef, breaking it up with a spatula until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Season lightly with a little salt and pepper while cooking. Drain off any excess fat using a fine mesh strainer or tip the skillet and blot with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained ground beef, the drained can of green beans, 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and the sauce is smooth.
- Transfer the mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out into an even layer with a spatula.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top so each bite gets a cheesy finish.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted.
- Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle 1 cup French fried onions over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the onions are golden and crispy. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What to Serve With:
- Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a classic comfort plate.
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- Roasted carrots or a simple steamed vegetable to add color and freshness.
- Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce.
- For drinks, serve iced tea, a light red wine, or sparkling water with lemon.
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting and flavor; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Drain the green beans well to avoid a watery casserole—pat them dry with paper towels if needed.
- If you prefer extra sauciness, add another 1/4 cup milk; if you want it thicker, reduce the milk slightly.
- For deeper flavor, sauté a diced onion with the ground beef until soft before adding the meat to the bowl.
- Avoid overbaking after adding the onions—watch closely so they crisp without burning.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole (without the French fried onions) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add fresh onions after reheating for best crunch.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through, then add fresh French fried onions for 5 minutes to crisp.
FAQs
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can make a quick homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and broth, or use cream of chicken soup as a substitute. For a lighter option, use low-fat cream soup or a béchamel.
Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes. If using fresh, blanch them for 3–4 minutes and cool before adding. For frozen, thaw and drain well. Fresh or frozen will give a firmer texture than canned.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely. Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative, and use a mushroom or vegetable cream soup to maintain the flavor profile.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the French fried onions and bake when ready to serve.
How do I make it spicier or more flavorful?
Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, a pinch of cayenne, or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for extra depth and heat.
Conclusion
This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is an easy, budget-friendly weeknight winner that combines creamy sauce, savory beef, melty cheese, and a crunchy topping for comfort-food perfection. It’s simple enough for beginners and satisfying enough for a hungry family—give it a try and share the results with friends and family.
For a similar twist with ground beef and green beans, check out Easy Ground Beef Green Bean Casserole for more ideas: Easy Ground Beef Green Bean Casserole – Whole Lotta Yum.
If you want a variation that includes potatoes, take a look at this comforting version: Hamburger Green Bean Casserole – Kitchen Divas
Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef Raw, browned
- 1 can (15 oz) Green Beans Drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Mushroom Soup Regular or low-sodium
- 1/2 cup Milk Room temperature
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Freshly shredded for best melt
- 1 cup French Fried Onions Store-bought
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- Salt To taste
- Black Pepper To taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Brown the beef, breaking it up with a spatula until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper while cooking. Drain off any excess fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained ground beef, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and the sauce is smooth.
- Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out into an even layer with a spatula.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese has melted.
- Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle French fried onions over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the onions are golden and crispy. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.