Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Introduction

There’s something magical about a casserole fresh out of the oven—the bubbling edges, golden top, and the irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen. This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole captures all of that magic in a simple yet satisfying way. With just a few pantry staples and everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that’s comforting, hearty, and incredibly versatile. It’s a recipe that has stood the test of time and continues to be a family favorite across generations.

My recipe story

This casserole is a nod to my childhood dinners at home. My mother often made it during busy school weeks because it was quick to prepare and filled everyone up with a single pan. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to enhance its flavors—sometimes adding fresh herbs, topping it with crispy onions, or mixing in shredded cheese. What hasn’t changed is the comfort it brings to the table. Each bite still reminds me of family dinners, laughter, and the joy of sharing good food together.

Ingredient breakdown

This recipe uses only three main ingredients, making it wonderfully accessible yet incredibly flavorful. Ground beef forms the hearty base, providing richness and protein that anchors the dish. Choose lean ground beef if you prefer a lighter casserole, or use an 80/20 blend for more flavor.

The canned green beans add both texture and a mild, earthy sweetness. While canned beans are convenient, you can easily swap in fresh or frozen green beans if you prefer. Finally, cream of mushroom soup binds everything together, creating a luscious, creamy sauce that infuses every bite with savory depth. This trio of ingredients creates a perfect balance between hearty, creamy, and satisfying, but the beauty of this casserole is how easily you can add to or adapt it.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Medium mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar size)
• Oven
• Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)

Step-by-step directions

1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is no longer pink, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. This step should take about 7–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep your casserole from being greasy.
2. Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, drained green beans, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir until everything is evenly coated and well combined. This ensures each bite has the perfect balance of beef, beans, and creamy sauce.
3. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes consistently. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese or fried onions over the top for added flavor and crunch.
4. Bake to perfection: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. If you added cheese, it should be melted and gooey by this point.
5. Serve and enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This makes it easier to slice and ensures the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve warm with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Variations & substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable to suit your tastes or pantry availability. For a healthier twist, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Fresh mushrooms sautéed with garlic and onions can add depth and elevate the flavor profile. If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, try cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead. For a heartier casserole, stir in cooked rice, pasta, or even tater tots before baking. Toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, or crispy fried onions can turn the dish into something even more indulgent and crowd-pleasing.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

This casserole is a meal-prepper’s dream. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave until hot, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 15 minutes. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can also prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours, and then bake when ready to serve.

Serving ideas & pairings

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole shines as a main dish but pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad for balance, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles make for a classic, comforting pairing. For a lighter option, roasted carrots, steamed broccoli, or a crisp cucumber salad provide freshness and crunch. This dish is also perfect for potlucks or gatherings, as it complements other homestyle favorites like baked mac and cheese, cornbread, or coleslaw.

FAQ

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes! Just blanch fresh green beans in boiling water for 3–4 minutes before adding them to the casserole for the best texture.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free cream soup or make a homemade version using plant-based milk and mushrooms.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The oven works best for reheating large portions, while the microwave is perfect for quick individual servings.

Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even parmesan can be mixed in or sprinkled on top before baking.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing for up to 3 months.

Final thoughts

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a warm, satisfying dish that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or meal prepping for busy days, this casserole will always deliver. It’s versatile, customizable, and most importantly—delicious. Once you try it, you may just find it becoming a regular in your kitchen rotation.

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A hearty, family-friendly casserole made with savory ground beef, tender green beans, and creamy mushroom soup. Perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional topping)

• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (optional topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked beef, drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and seasonings. Stir until evenly coated.

4. Spread mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out evenly.

5. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese and crispy fried onions on top.

6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Serve warm.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, salad, or crusty bread.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American