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This rich and cozy Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a weeknight favorite when you need dinner on the table with little fuss. Packed with savory beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and topped with crispy onions and cheese, it is pure comfort food your whole family will devour.
I started making this for my little ones after a busy soccer night and they now cheer when they see it coming to the table. The combination of creamy sauce with that crispy onion topping is always a hit.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: for hearty texture and filling protein use freshly ground with some fat for best flavor
- Canned green beans: for quick prep and tender crunch choose a high quality brand or fresh if desired
- Cream of mushroom soup: for rich creamy base you can use homemade for extra depth
- Milk: to loosen and smooth the sauce whole milk works best but low-fat is fine
- Garlic powder: for savory warmth fresh minced garlic is delicious if you have it
- Onion powder: for even depth powdered or fresh onions will both work
- Salt and black pepper: for balance and seasoning taste as you go to avoid over salting
- Shredded cheddar cheese: for melty bubbly top choose sharp aged cheddar for the best taste
- French fried onions: for crunchy golden finish these add great texture use the classic canned kind
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 175C or 350F make sure it is at full temperature before assembling so the cheese melts perfectly and the casserole heats through evenly
- Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet cook the ground beef on medium heat break it up thoroughly and keep stirring until it turns fully brown and no pink remains drain off extra fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy
- Mix the Filling:
- Transfer the cooked beef to a large mixing bowl add the drained green beans cream of mushroom soup milk garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper stir everything together until well combined so every bite has a bit of each flavor
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Lightly grease a 23 by 33 cm or 9 by 13 inch baking dish scoop the beef and green bean mix into the dish and spread it evenly top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese so the surface is fully covered
- Bake:
- Slide the dish into your hot oven bake for 25 minutes by this time the cheese will be melted and the mixture bubbling all over
- Add the Crispy Finish:
- Carefully remove the hot dish and sprinkle French fried onions evenly all over return to the oven for five to ten more minutes so the onions turn golden and extra crispy
- Rest and Serve:
- Allow the casserole to sit for five minutes to firm up before you slice and serve so you get those perfect squares on the plate
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I adore the crunch and rich onion flavor from the classic French fried onion topping. My grandmother insisted on adding extra cheese for a gooier top which I still do now for family gatherings. This recipe always brings happy memories of cozy weekends and laughter at the dinner table.
Storage Tips
Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Cover it well with foil or airtight lids. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days and can be frozen for two months. To reheat bake covered until hot then uncover for the last few minutes to refresh the topping.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap green beans with fresh steamed green beans or even broccoli florets for a different veggie spin. Ground turkey or chicken works in place of beef for a lighter dish. For a homemade touch use your favorite cream soup base instead of canned.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad and warm bread rolls for a full meal. It also makes a tasty next-day lunch. Sometimes I spoon a little hot sauce over my slice for extra kick.
Cultural Notes
This casserole recipe traveled through Midwest kitchens since canned soup became popular in the 1900s. It is a nostalgic and practical dish loved at potlucks and family tables for generations.
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This recipe is always a family favorite and makes evenings feel special. Try it soon for the ultimate cozy dinner experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, blanch fresh green beans until just tender before mixing them in for best results and texture.
- → What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade roux-based sauce with mushrooms for a similar creamy effect.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
- → Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish (without topping onions) and refrigerate. When ready, bake and add fried onions during the last minutes.
- → Is it possible to freeze the casserole?
Freeze after baking and cooling. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat, adding fried onions before serving.