Description: This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole takes the familiar comfort of the classic green bean casserole and elevates it with the addition of hearty ground beef. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. The creamy texture, savory meat, and crispy fried onions create a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. This recipe builds upon the traditional version, offering a more substantial and fulfilling meal while maintaining the ease and convenience that make it a family favorite. Perfect for busy cooks who don’t want to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) green beans, drained
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk (whole milk or 2% is best for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your preference)
- 1 cup French fried onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: A dash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Cooking the onions and garlic first deepens the flavor base of the casserole.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Removing the excess grease prevents the casserole from becoming overly greasy and improves the overall texture.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. This allows for even cooking and ensures that each serving has a good balance of all the ingredients.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese adds a creamy, cheesy layer that complements the other flavors.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. This ensures that the casserole is heated through and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on the onions to prevent them from burning.
Step 9: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for many reasons. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and readily available ingredients. The combination of savory ground beef, tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions creates a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. It transforms the classic green bean casserole into a complete and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a great way to get picky eaters to enjoy their vegetables! The leftovers, if there are any, taste just as good the next day. It’s customizable, allowing you to add your own personal touches to make it your own.
Serving Suggestions:
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to enhance the dining experience:
- Serve with a side salad for a lighter, more balanced meal.
- Pair it with a crusty loaf of bread for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Offer a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley as a garnish.
- For a heartier meal, serve alongside mashed potatoes or rice.
- Consider adding a side of steamed broccoli or carrots for extra vegetables.
Tips:
- To prevent the French fried onions from burning, add them during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream of mushroom soup.
- If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute cream of celery or cream of chicken soup.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- For a healthier version, use lean ground beef and low-fat cream of mushroom soup.
- Customize the cheese by using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
35 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Conclusion
The Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic dish, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy soup, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions makes it a family-friendly favorite. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion when you need a comforting and delicious meal. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a casserole that’s sure to become a new staple in your kitchen! It’s a dish that brings smiles to faces and warmth to the dinner table.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
- Q: Can I use frozen green beans instead of canned?
- A: Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw them completely and drain any excess water before adding them to the casserole. Using frozen green beans may require a slightly longer baking time.
- Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the French fried onions and bake as directed.
- Q: What if I don’t like cream of mushroom soup?
- A: No problem! You can substitute cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, or even a homemade cream sauce. The key is to use a creamy base that complements the other ingredients.
- Q: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
- A: Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced carrots, corn, or peas to customize the casserole to your liking. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Q: Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
- A: Yes, this casserole can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding the French fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking.
