This hearty hamburger green bean casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that brings together savory ground beef, tender green beans, a creamy sauce, and a crispy topping. It’s simple to prepare, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is easy to make with everyday ingredients and delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s filling without being complicated, kid-approved, and versatile enough to customize. The combination of creamy, savory, and crispy textures makes it a true comfort-food favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
2 cans (14.5 oz / 410 g each) green beans, drained
1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 cup (85 g) crispy fried onions
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until smooth, then add salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Add the cooked beef mixture and drained green beans to the bowl. Mix well to evenly coat everything with the sauce.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly on top, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
You can substitute fresh or frozen green beans for canned ones; just blanch fresh beans first. For extra creaminess, mix in 1/2 cup sour cream. If you like more vegetables, add sliced mushrooms or corn. Different cheeses such as mozzarella or Colby Jack can also be used for a milder or stretchier topping.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Cover loosely to prevent the topping from burning.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole without the fried onion topping, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture.
What type of ground beef works best?
Lean ground beef works best to avoid too much grease, but any ground beef can be used if drained properly.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free cream soup and gluten-free crispy onions to adapt the recipe.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen without the fried onion topping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking and add the topping at the end.
Can I use homemade cream sauce instead of canned soup?
Yes, a homemade mushroom or cream sauce can replace the canned soup in equal volume.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Make sure the green beans are well drained and avoid adding extra liquid.
Can I add more cheese?
Yes, you can increase the cheese up to 1 1/2 cups if you prefer a cheesier casserole.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with a simple salad, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Can I make this in a smaller dish?
Yes, the recipe can be halved and baked in an 8×8-inch dish, reducing the cooking time slightly.
Conclusion
Hearty hamburger green bean casserole is a simple yet satisfying meal that brings comfort to the table with minimal effort. With its creamy base, savory beef, and crispy topping, it’s a dependable recipe you’ll want to make again and again for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
A comforting, family-friendly casserole featuring savory ground beef, green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, melted cheese, and a crispy fried onion topping—easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
2 cans (14.5 oz / 410 g each) green beans, drained
1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 cup (85 g) crispy fried onions
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat.
Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until smooth.
Add cooked beef mixture and drained green beans. Stir to combine.
Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Remove from oven, sprinkle crispy fried onions on top, and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Substitute fresh or frozen green beans—blanch fresh first.
Add sour cream for a creamier texture.
Customize with vegetables like mushrooms or corn.
Use different cheeses for varied flavor.
Assemble ahead and refrigerate, adding the topping before baking.
