Hamburger Green Bean Casserole – Rustic Comfort in Every Bite
Hamburger green bean casserole is pure comfort in a dish savory beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy-topped green beans that disappear fast. I first tasted it at a Copper & Thyme potluck, where it was the star of the table and sparked memories of my Appalachian childhood, when one-pan meals kept everyone lingering just a little longer. This recipe is pantry-friendly, works with any type of green beans, and comes together with minimal effort. If you love this, try our cheesy potato casserole or creamy chicken bake for more oven-baked goodness.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2. Cook ground beef in a skillet until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
- 3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked beef, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- 4. Spread mixture evenly into a greased baking dish.
- 5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- 6. Bake for 25 minutes.
- 7. Remove from oven, sprinkle French fried onions on top.
- 8. Bake an additional 5–10 minutes until onions are golden and crispy.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family Favorite – Creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and juicy beef keep everyone coming back for seconds.
- Budget Friendly – Uses affordable, pantry-friendly staples you probably already have.
- Beginner Friendly – Simple steps that even first-time cooks can master.
- Customizable – Swap fresh, canned, or frozen beans. Add your favorite spices or extra veggies.
- Crowd Pleaser – Double the recipe to feed a holiday table or potluck crowd.
- Irresistible Topping – Melted cheddar and crispy onions give every bite the perfect crunch.
- Versatile Pairings – Pairs beautifully with loaded baked mac and cheese or beef and potato skillet for a complete, hearty meal.
Ingrédients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup French fried onions
How to Make Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F or 175°C so it is ready when the casserole is assembled.
Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains. Break it apart with a wooden spoon for even cooking. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a baking dish and spread the beef mixture evenly inside. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake and Finish
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, top with French fried onions, and return to bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the onions are golden brown.
Notes
Drain the ground beef thoroughly after browning for the best texture.
Avoid overbaking once the fried onions are added to prevent burning.
Double the fried onions if you want extra crunch.
Taste and adjust the seasoning of the filling before baking.
For a fresh finish, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.
How to Serve Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
Hamburger green bean casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides that balance its richness. Serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce or with a crisp garden salad for freshness. Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles also make an excellent base for this dish. For a holiday table, you can plate it in smaller portions and offer it as part of a larger buffet.
How to Perfect Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
The secret to a memorable casserole is balance. Keep the beef to bean ratio even so every forkful delivers both textures. Make sure your sauce is creamy by draining beans well and measuring milk accurately. If you prefer a richer flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika before baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not draining ground beef will cause the casserole to be greasy.
Cooking the fried onions too long will make them bitter.
Skipping seasoning adjustments can lead to a bland filling.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover hamburger green bean casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze for up to two months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covering the dish for the first part of heating and uncovering for the last five minutes to re-crisp the topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook green bean casserole at 400 in the oven
If baking at 400°F, reduce the time to about 20 minutes before adding the topping, then bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Does green bean casserole need to be covered when cooking
It does not need to be covered unless you prefer a softer topping. Covering will keep moisture in, but you may need to uncover for the last few minutes to crisp the top.
Can a green bean casserole be made the day before
Yes, assemble the casserole without the topping, cover, and refrigerate. Add cheese and onions just before baking.
How do you keep green bean casserole from getting soggy
Drain beans well, avoid adding extra liquid, and bake uncovered for the last few minutes to let moisture escape.
Conclusion
Hamburger green bean casserole is proof that simple ingredients can create something memorable. It is creamy, hearty, and satisfying, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. With a few easy tips, you can make this dish perfectly every time and keep it in your regular meal rotation. Serve it once and it will become one of those recipes everyone asks for.
