Hamburger Green Bean Casserole: A Comforting Classic for Every Family

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Imagine sitting down to a warm, comforting casserole filled with hearty ground beef, tender green beans, creamy potatoes, and crispy onions. Hamburger green bean casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a nostalgic dish that brings families together around the dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a simple weekday meal or something to impress at a potluck, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a rich and flavorful hamburger green bean casserole step-by-step. Plus, you’ll discover tips, variations, and answers to common questions to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

  • Hearty and satisfying: With layers of green beans, ground beef, creamy potatoes, and cheese, this dish is a full meal in one.
  • Family-friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
  • Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
  • Budget-friendly: This recipe uses affordable ingredients while delivering big flavor.
  • Great for leftovers: The casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients required for this comforting casserole:

CategoryIngredientAmount
Green BeansFresh green beans (cut)4 cups
Bean MixtureCream of mushroom soup1 can (10 ¾ oz)
Milk or cream½ cup (cream) or ⅓ cup (milk)
Crispy fried onions½ cup
Soy sauce1 tbsp
Meat MixtureGround beef (or ground chicken, turkey, pork, sausage)1 lb
Small onion (chopped fine)1
Potato MixtureRusset potatoes (unpeeled)3–4 medium-large
Milk or cream½ cup (cream) or ⅓ cup (milk)
Butter (melted)¼ cup
Parmesan cheese (grated)¼ cup
ToppingCrispy fried onions¼ cup
Shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)1 cup

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Spray a 9 x 9-inch casserole dish (or equivalent) with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Boil the Green Beans

  • Boil 4 cups of fresh green beans in a pot of water for 5 minutes, or until they turn bright green.
  • Drain the beans and set them aside.

2. Make the Bean Mixture

Combine the Ingredients

  • In a mixing bowl, combine:
    • 1 can (10 ¾ oz) cream of mushroom soup
    • ½ cup cream (or ⅓ cup milk)
    • ½ cup crispy fried onions
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Mix in the Green Beans

  • Add the boiled green beans to the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Assemble the Base Layer

  • Spread the bean mixture evenly on the bottom of your prepared casserole dish.

3. Prepare the Meat Mixture

Brown the Meat

  • In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 small chopped onion until the meat is fully cooked.
  • Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Add the Meat Layer

  • Spread the meat mixture evenly on top of the green bean layer in the casserole dish. Use a spatula to flatten it slightly for even layering.

4. Make the Potato Mixture

Boil the Potatoes

  • Place 3–4 medium-large russet potatoes (unpeeled) in a pot of water and boil for 15 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
  • Drain the potatoes and return them to the warm pot.

Mash the Potatoes

  • Add the following to the boiled potatoes:
    • ¼ cup melted butter
    • ½ cup cream (or ⅓ cup milk)
    • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Use a hand mixer (if available) to mash and whip the potatoes until smooth and creamy.

Add the Potato Layer

  • Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the meat layer in the casserole dish. Spread them evenly using a spatula, smoothing the surface.

5. Add the Topping

Sprinkle with Onions and Cheese

  • Sprinkle ¼ cup crispy fried onions and 1 cup shredded cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes.

6. Bake the Casserole

Bake Until Bubbly

  • Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling.

Broil for a Crispy Topping

  • Turn the oven to broil for the last 5 minutes to brown the cheese and onions on top.

7. Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Use a large spoon to scoop out portions, or slice it into squares for a neater presentation.

Tips for Perfect Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

  • Use fresh green beans: Fresh beans have a better texture and flavor compared to canned or frozen ones.
  • Season each layer: Adding a pinch of salt and pepper to each layer ensures the dish is flavorful throughout.
  • Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is classic, you can use mozzarella, Gruyère, or even pepper jack for a unique twist.
  • Don’t skip the broil: Broiling at the end adds a golden, crispy finish to the cheese and onions.
  • Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

NutrientAmount Per Serving
Calories~380
Protein~20g
Carbohydrates~25g
Fat~22g
Fiber~4g
Sodium~750mg

Creative Variations

1. Low-Carb Version

  • Swap the mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower to reduce the carb content.

2. Vegetarian Option

  • Use a plant-based ground meat substitute and cream of celery soup to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.

3. Add Heat

  • Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.

4. Incorporate More Veggies

  • Add diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added nutrition and texture.

5. Gluten-Free

  • Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for the crispy onions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute canned green beans, but be sure to drain them well before mixing them with the bean mixture.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! Assemble the casserole without the cheese and fried onions on top. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Add the toppings before baking.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

4. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free alternatives for cream, butter, and cheese, and check that the soup is dairy-free.

5. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup works as a great substitute. You can also make a homemade version using broth, milk, and flour.

6. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and pair beautifully with the savory flavors of the dish.

Final Thoughts: A Classic Dish to Warm Your Soul

Hamburger green bean casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a hearty, flavorful dish that brings people together around the table. With its layers of tender green beans, savory ground meat, creamy potatoes, and a crispy cheesy topping, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Ready to make it yourself? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the deliciousness of this classic casserole. Your family will thank you!

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Hamburger Green Bean Casserole: A Comforting Classic for Every Family


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  • Author: Stacy
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

Hamburger green bean casserole is the ultimate comfort dish, featuring layers of tender green beans, savory ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and a crispy cheesy topping. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weeknight meals, this hearty casserole will warm your soul.


Ingredients

For the Green Beans:

  • 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut

For the Bean Mixture:

  • 1 (10¾ oz) can cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup cream (or ⅓ cup milk)
  • ½ cup crispy fried onions
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

For the Meat Mixture:

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken, turkey, pork, or sausage)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

For the Potato Mixture:

  • 34 medium-large russet potatoes, unpeeled
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • ½ cup cream (or ⅓ cup milk)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping:

  • ¼ cup crispy fried onions
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Grease a 9×9-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or oil.
  • Cook the Green Beans
    • Boil the green beans in salted water for 5 minutes, or until bright green and slightly tender.
    • Drain and set aside.
  • Make the Bean Mixture
    • In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream (or milk), crispy fried onions, and soy sauce.
    • Stir in the cooked green beans until well coated.
    • Spread the bean mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
  • Cook the Meat Mixture
    • In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
    • Drain any excess fat and layer the meat mixture evenly over the green bean mixture in the casserole dish.
  • Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
    • Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
    • Drain and mash the potatoes with melted butter, cream (or milk), and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
    • Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat layer.
  • Add the Topping
    • Sprinkle crispy fried onions and shredded cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.
  • Bake the Casserole
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and heated through.
    • For a crispy topping, broil for the last 5 minutes until the cheese and onions are golden brown.
  • Serve and Enjoy
    • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Slice into portions or scoop with a large spoon, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Fresh green beans: For the best texture, use fresh green beans instead of canned or frozen.
  • Seasoning: Add a pinch of salt and pepper to each layer for enhanced flavor.
  • Cheese options: Try mozzarella, Gruyère, or pepper jack for a twist on the classic.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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