Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

A hearty, satisfying casserole that blends the comfort of classic green bean casserole with the savory richness of a cheeseburger. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy onions, this dish delivers weeknight convenience and crowd-pleasing flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the perfect blend of simple preparation and bold flavor. Ground beef provides a hearty base, while the creamy mushroom sauce and melted cheddar bind everything into a comforting, cohesive dish. The crispy fried onions add just the right crunch, making each serving feel indulgent yet familiar. It’s a family-friendly meal that works beautifully for weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead cooking.

Ingredients

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

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained, or 4 cups fresh/frozen green beans
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk or beef broth
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups French fried onions
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt to taste
Optional: 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms
Optional: 1 tablespoon ketchup or mustard
Optional: cooked turkey-based “bacon-style” crumbles if desired (halal-friendly alternative)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, paprika, and salt. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the French fried onions.
6. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbling around the edges and golden on top.
7. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set.

Servings and timing

Servings: 7
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use fresh green beans for firmer texture—blanch 3–4 minutes before adding.
• Mix half the cheese into the casserole for cheesy layers throughout.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or a tablespoon of ketchup or mustard for stronger “burger” flavor.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter dish.
• Add halal-friendly smoked seasonings if you enjoy a smoky profile.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the full dish in a 300°F oven until heated through. Add extra fried onions on top if you want to restore crunch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, fresh green beans work wonderfully. Blanch them for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender before adding.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute cream of celery soup or make a simple homemade cream sauce with butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble it fully, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 extra minutes to the bake time.

How do I keep the casserole from turning watery?

Drain both the green beans and excess beef fat thoroughly. If using frozen green beans, thaw and drain first.

Can I substitute the cheese?

Yes, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a Mexican blend all work well in equal amounts.

Can I freeze leftovers?

For best texture, freeze the unbaked casserole. If freezing leftovers, expect the onions to lose crispness.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cream soup and a plant-based shredded cheese alternative.

How do I make the topping extra crispy?

Add half the fried onions at the beginning and the rest during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Can I add pasta or rice?

Yes, you can fold in cooked pasta or rice before baking to make it even heartier.

What sides work well with this casserole?

A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm dinner rolls pair perfectly.

Conclusion

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is the ideal comfort dish: warm, creamy, hearty, and incredibly easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and adaptable flavors, it satisfies both kids and adults while delivering reliable, weeknight-friendly convenience. Serve it once, and it’s sure to become a repeat favorite in your home.

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