This comforting Hamburger Green Bean Casserole brings together tender ground beef, crisp green beans, and a rich creamy sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy French fried onions. It's the perfect weeknight dinner that combines protein and vegetables in one satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it's a one-dish wonder that saves time and cleanup. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and the crunch of French fried onions creates a delightful texture and flavor profile. It's a versatile dish that I can easily adapt to suit different tastes or dietary needs, making it a staple in my meal rotation.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup French fried onions
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, I brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Then, I drain the excess fat.
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cooked ground beef, drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I mix until well combined.
I transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
I sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
I bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
I remove it from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onions on top. Then, I return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Turkey and Green Bean Casserole: I substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option that still delivers hearty flavor and protein.
Cheesy Broccoli Version: I replace green beans with frozen broccoli florets and add an extra ½ cup of cheese for a richer, more indulgent casserole.
Mexican-Style Twist: I use ground beef seasoned with cumin and chili powder, add a can of drained corn, and top with Mexican cheese blend and crushed tortilla chips instead of French fried onions.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, I warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. I cover and refrigerate it, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes if baking straight from the refrigerator.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

I can use cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, or make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken broth for a similar creamy base.

How do I store leftovers and how long do they last?

I store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, I can use fresh green beans. I blanch 1 pound of fresh green beans for 3-4 minutes for better texture and flavor than canned.

What other toppings can I use instead of French fried onions?

I can try different toppings like crushed crackers, breadcrumbs mixed with butter, or even crushed potato chips for variety.

Conclusion

This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. I love how easy it is to prepare and how versatile it can be with simple ingredient swaps. Whether I'm feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a reliable and delicious choice.

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting casserole made with ground beef, green beans, and a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with cheddar cheese and crispy French fried onions. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ground beef, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until casserole is bubbly and cheese is melted.
Remove from oven, sprinkle French fried onions on top, and return to oven for 5-10 minutes until onions are golden brown.