HAMBURGER GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE EASY

Craving something hearty, comforting, and just a little bit different? Imagine a classic green bean casserole, but leveled up with savory ground beef, creating a complete, satisfying meal in one dish. This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner solution, and I promise you, it’s even easier than it sounds!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Hamburger Mixture:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Green Bean Casserole:

• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/3 cups french fried onions, divided

Getting Started: Prepping is Key!

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s get everything prepped and ready. This will make the whole process flow smoothly and ensure you don’t miss any crucial steps. Trust me, a little organization goes a long way!

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Chop the onion and mince the garlic. I like to do this first so the flavors have a chance to meld while I’m working on other things.
• Drain the green beans thoroughly. Excess water can make the casserole soggy, and nobody wants that!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Cook!

Making the Hamburger Mixture:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. The aroma will be amazing!
3. Combine the Sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This is the base of our delicious flavor!

Assembling the Green Bean Casserole:

1. Combine Green Beans and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and garlic powder. Mix well. Make sure every green bean is coated in that creamy goodness.
2. Layer It All Together: Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the hamburger mixture evenly over the green beans. This creates a wonderful layer of meaty goodness!
3. Top with French Fried Onions: Sprinkle 2/3 cup of the french fried onions over the top of the casserole. We’ll save the rest for later to keep them extra crispy!

Baking Time:

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Add Remaining Onions: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of french fried onions over the top.
3. Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
4. Let Rest: Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.

Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks

Sometimes, even with the best recipes, things can go a little sideways. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Casserole is too watery: Make sure to drain the green beans really well. You can even pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the mixture. You can also try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the green bean mixture to help thicken it up.
• French fried onions are burning: If the onions are browning too quickly, tent the casserole with aluminum foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking. This will protect the onions from direct heat.
• The hamburger mixture is bland: Don’t be afraid to add more seasoning! A little extra salt, pepper, garlic powder, or even a dash of hot sauce can really kick up the flavor.

Variations & Add-Ins: Make It Your Own!

The beauty of casseroles is that they’re so versatile! Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking.

• Cheese: Add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack on top of the hamburger mixture before adding the french fried onions.
• Vegetables: Mix in other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, or corn.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices like paprika, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.
• Different Meat: Try using ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
• Cream of Celery Soup: Substitute cream of celery soup for cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A simple side salad
• Dinner rolls or garlic bread
• Mashed potatoes (For something a bit different, check out Creamy Meatloaf And Mashed Potatoes!)

Storing & Reheating: Enjoying Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions.

Why This Recipe Works: It’s All About the Balance

This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole isn’t just another casserole recipe; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures. The savory ground beef adds heartiness and depth, while the creamy green beans provide a comforting base. The crispy french fried onions offer a delightful crunch that ties everything together. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more!

If you love green beans, be sure to also check out Bacon Ranch Green Beans Potatoes or Southern Green Beans for some tasty variations. Want something else with ground beef? Try Salisbury Steak Meatballs! And of course, you can always make a classic Green Bean Casserole.

For a hearty meal, pair this dish with Beef Stew.

Enjoy!

So there you have it! My take on Hamburger Green Bean Casserole! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. It’s a classic for a reason, and the addition of ground beef just takes it to the next level. Happy cooking!