Introduction in Alex Guarnaschelli’s Writing Style:
Hey, Kitchies! Let me take you on a little trip down memory lane with a casserole that feels like a warm hug—Hamburger Green Bean Casserole. There’s something so comforting about this dish, from the savory, juicy ground beef to the tender green beans nestled in a creamy, velvety sauce. Top it all off with crispy fried onions or melty cheese, and it’s like a love letter to all things hearty and satisfying.
This recipe is what I like to call “magic in a casserole dish.” It’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight, but it still delivers that from-scratch taste we all crave. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile—you can tweak it to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
It’s become one of those staples that my family can’t get enough of. The kids love the crunchy onion topping, and my husband can’t stop going back for seconds (and thirds). It’s nostalgic, simple, and so, so good.
Resume of the Recipe in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style:
This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a hearty, one-dish wonder that combines ground beef, tender green beans, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s topped with crispy fried onions for a little crunch and baked until golden perfection.
It’s the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. This dish has all the nostalgic flavors of a classic casserole with just a touch of modern flair.
Exciting Story:
This recipe came to life on one of those nights when I needed dinner to be quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing. I had ground beef, a couple of cans of green beans, and some leftover cream of mushroom soup staring at me from the pantry. I threw it all together, added some seasoning, and topped it with crispy fried onions.
The result? A dinner that my family devoured in record time. My husband said it reminded him of the casseroles his mom used to make, and my kids declared it “the best dinner ever.” Now, it’s our go-to comfort meal, perfect for cozy nights at home or potluck gatherings.
Why This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Is a Must-Try
Selling Points:
Quick and Easy: Made with pantry staples, this casserole comes together in just 30 minutes.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks.
Comforting Flavors: Creamy, savory, and topped with crispy fried onions for that nostalgic crunch.
Customizable: Swap in different vegetables or proteins to make it your own.
Budget-Friendly: A hearty meal that doesn’t break the bank.
Cuisine: American
Tips:
- Fresh vs. Canned: If using fresh green beans, steam them first for a tender texture.
- Cheesy Variation: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the filling or on top for extra indulgence.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled sausage in place of ground beef.
- Vegetable Options: Add mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or peas to the casserole for extra flavor.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade keto-friendly sauce and use fresh green beans.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cream soup and gluten-free crispy onions or breadcrumbs.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Lower Fat: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey and a reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup.
- Lower Sodium: Choose low-sodium soup and fresh green beans instead of canned.
- Low-Carb: Swap the milk for heavy cream and use fresh green beans for a lower-carb option.
Closing in Todd Wilbur Style:
And there you have it—Hamburger Green Bean Casserole—a hearty, nostalgic dish that’s easy on the budget and big on flavor. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to share your creation with us, and be sure to check out our other comforting classics!
Relevant Categories:
- Dinner
- Casseroles
- Comfort Food
- Family Meals
Tags:
- Ground Beef Recipes
- Easy Dinners
- Classic Casseroles
- One-Dish Meals
- Weeknight Favorites
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh green beans?
Absolutely! Steam or blanch them first for the best texture. - What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup, or make a homemade cream sauce. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, assemble it without the topping, freeze, and add the topping when ready to bake. - How do I make it vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms. - Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Definitely! Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella for an extra creamy casserole. - What other toppings can I use?
Breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or even crushed potato chips work well. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. - How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. - What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
Serve it with a fresh salad, rolls, or even mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Let me know if you’d like to tweak anything! 😊
PrintHamburger Green Bean Casserole
Description
Let me take you on a little trip down memory lane with a casserole that feels like a warm hug—Hamburger Green Bean Casserole. There’s something so comforting about this dish, from the savory, juicy ground beef to the tender green beans nestled in a creamy, velvety sauce.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained (or use fresh green beans, trimmed and steamed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (or shredded cheese, if preferred)
- Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon melted butter for an extra-crunchy topping
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. - Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir until everything is evenly coated and combined. - Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. - Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. If using breadcrumbs or cheese, sprinkle those on instead (or combine them for a double topping). - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. - Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with a simple side salad or rolls for a complete meal.