Description: A comforting and hearty twist on the classic green bean casserole, featuring savory ground beef for a complete meal in one dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean is best)
- 1 small onion, finely diced (optional – skip if you prefer no onions)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained (or 3 cups fresh, steamed until tender-crisp)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade – see notes below for a simple recipe)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (use halal substitute if preferred)
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy topping)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and the topping crisps up nicely.
Step 2: Prepare the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (and diced onion, if using) until browned and fully cooked. Use a spatula to break the beef apart into small crumbles as it cooks. Draining off any excess grease is crucial. This will prevent the casserole from becoming overly oily. If using onions, cook them along with the beef until they are softened and translucent, usually about 5-7 minutes. This adds depth of flavor to the casserole.
Step 3: Add the garlic. Once the beef is browned and drained, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of the garlic will fill your kitchen and signal that it’s ready for the next step.
Step 4: Make the cream sauce. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps in the soup. The Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami flavor that complements the beef and green beans beautifully. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 5: Assemble the casserole. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the browned ground beef, drained green beans, and the cream soup mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. This step is crucial to create a cohesive casserole where every bite is balanced.
Step 6: Add the crispy fried onions. Stir in ½ cup of the crispy fried onions into the casserole mixture. This adds a delightful crunch and flavor to the base of the casserole.
Step 7: Top with cheese (optional). If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, golden-brown topping.
Step 8: Bake. Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly. The edges should be slightly browned.
Step 9: Add the remaining crispy fried onions. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of crispy fried onions on top of the casserole and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on the onions to prevent them from burning.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic side dish, transforming it into a complete and satisfying meal. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and readily available ingredients. The addition of savory ground beef elevates the casserole to a hearty main course that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy sauce, tender green beans, and crispy fried onion topping create a symphony of textures and flavors that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables for picky eaters. This casserole is not only delicious but also versatile – feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Serving Suggestions:
This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole pairs perfectly with a variety of sides to create a complete and balanced meal. Consider serving it with:
- Mashed potatoes: The creamy mashed potatoes complement the casserole’s flavors and textures.
- Warm dinner rolls: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Simple salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread balances the savory flavors of the casserole.
- Steamed rice: A simple and versatile side that pairs well with the casserole.
Tips:
- For a healthier option, use lean ground beef and low-fat cream of mushroom soup.
- If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup on hand, you can easily make your own. Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter with a little flour, then add milk or cream and simmer until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as carrots, peas, or corn.
- To make the casserole ahead of time, assemble it completely (except for the crispy fried onion topping) and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the topping and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture.
- If you’re not a fan of crispy fried onions, you can substitute them with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs.
- Make sure to drain the green beans thoroughly to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- Use a good quality baking dish to ensure even cooking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information: (approximate, may vary based on specific ingredients)
- Calories: 350-450 per serving
- Protein: 25-35g per serving
- Sodium: 600-800mg per serving
Conclusion:
The Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a delicious and convenient meal that combines the comforting flavors of a classic casserole with the heartiness of ground beef. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try and discover your new family favorite!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Fresh green beans can be used as a great substitute. Simply steam or blanch them until they are tender-crisp before adding them to the casserole. About 3 cups of fresh green beans should be equivalent to the two cans.
Q2: I don’t like cream of mushroom soup. What can I use instead?
A: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can try using cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, or even make your own cream sauce from scratch. To make a simple cream sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk or cream until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.
Q3: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding more vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, or corn. You could also add a can of drained and rinsed beans, like kidney beans or black beans, for extra protein.
Q4: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A: To make this casserole healthier, use lean ground beef, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, and reduce the amount of crispy fried onions. You can also add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value. Consider using whole wheat crackers or breadcrumbs instead of crispy fried onions for the topping.
Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Assemble the casserole completely (except for the crispy fried onion topping) and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then add the topping and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
