This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a hearty, one-pan dish that combines savory ground beef, tender green beans, and a creamy sauce, all baked together with a crispy topping. It’s an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknights or any time you need a satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the ultimate comfort food. The rich ground beef is paired with crisp green beans and a creamy sauce that ties everything together. The crunchy topping adds the perfect texture contrast to the creamy filling. It’s an affordable, filling meal that the whole family will love and can be easily made in advance for busy days.

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 can (15 ounces) green beans, drained (or 2 cups fresh or frozen green beans)
1/2 onion, chopped
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup French fried onions (for topping)
Salt, to taste
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (for extra flavor)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt (and thyme or rosemary if using). Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce is heated through.
Stir in the green beans and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is evenly combined.
Transfer the beef and green bean mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Remove the casserole from the oven and top with French fried onions. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden and crispy.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add Potatoes: For a heartier meal, add diced, cooked potatoes to the casserole for extra bulk and flavor.
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a leaner version, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for a vegetarian version. You can also replace the cream of mushroom soup with a vegetable-based soup.
Spicy Twist: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for some added heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, frozen green beans work perfectly in this casserole. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the dish.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed.

Can I use fresh green beans?

Absolutely! Fresh green beans can be used, but make sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the casserole.

Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can use cream of chicken or any other cream-based soup you prefer. There are also gluten-free and dairy-free options available if needed.

How can I make this casserole gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that the French fried onions are gluten-free. You can also make your own crispy topping using gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

Yes! You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn to the casserole to make it even more nutritious and colorful.

Is this casserole spicy?

This casserole is not spicy, but you can add a bit of heat by incorporating hot sauce or chili powder if you prefer some spice.

How do I prevent the French fried onions from getting soggy?

To keep the French fried onions crispy, be sure to add them during the last few minutes of baking, right before the casserole is done.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble it, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake according to the instructions.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with any cheese of your choice, like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp blue cheese for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a simple, hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. With its savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and crunchy topping, it’s the perfect comfort food that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to feed a crowd, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table!

Jane