Description Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender green beans, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and a crispy fried onion topping. This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is pure comfort food, perfect for a family dinner or potluck. It combines the hearty flavors of a classic hamburger with the familiar appeal of green bean casserole, creating a surprisingly delicious and satisfying dish. The gooey cheese and crunchy onions make every bite a textural delight.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked green beans (fresh or canned, drained well)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup crispy fried onions, divided
Preparation
This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is surprisingly easy to make, but the layering of flavors and textures makes it taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Here’s how to bring it all together:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures that the casserole doesn’t stick and makes serving easier.
Step 2: Cook the Beef. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic during the last few minutes of cooking until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Drain off any excess grease to prevent a soggy casserole.
Step 3: Season the Beef. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef mixture. Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of savory flavor that complements the beef and other ingredients perfectly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the cream of mushroom soup also contains sodium.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix until smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the creamy base of the casserole, adding moisture and richness.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole. In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked ground beef evenly across the bottom. Next, layer the cooked green beans over the beef. Pour half of the cream of mushroom soup mixture over the green beans, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and ¼ cup of the mozzarella cheese over the soup mixture.
Step 6: Repeat Layers (Optional). For a thicker casserole, repeat the layers: the remaining ground beef, the remaining green beans, and the remaining cream of mushroom soup mixture. Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: Add the Crispy Topping. Sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. This adds a delightful crunch and classic casserole flavor.
Step 8: Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Serve. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a twist on the classic comfort food, bringing together familiar flavors in a new and exciting way. It’s incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a comforting meal on a chilly evening. The combination of savory beef, tender green beans, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy fried onions is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or rice for a heartier meal.
- Offer a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley as a garnish.
- Serve alongside a crusty loaf of bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.
- Use fresh green beans for a slightly different texture and flavor. Blanch them before adding to the casserole.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
- If you don’t have crispy fried onions, crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter make a great substitute.
- To prevent the crispy fried onions from burning, you can add them during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Nutritional Information
(Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 480 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg (Note: Sodium content can vary depending on the ingredients used, especially the cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions. Always check the labels for accurate values.)
Conclusion
This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a satisfying and easy-to-make dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With its comforting flavors and simple ingredients, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of beef, green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy onions creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of home-cooked comfort!
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use frozen green beans instead of canned or fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before adding them to the casserole. You may also want to lightly steam or blanch them to ensure they are tender.
Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature slightly. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q3: Can I use a different type of ground meat?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Q4: I don’t have cream of mushroom soup. What can I use instead?
A: You can substitute cream of celery soup or cream of chicken soup. Alternatively, you can make a homemade cream sauce using milk, flour, and butter, and season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Q5: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
A: Certainly! Feel free to add other vegetables such as sliced carrots, diced potatoes, or corn. Just make sure to cook them slightly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are tender.
