Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe

If you crave layers of cozy comfort and old-school flavor, this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is exactly what you need. Meaty, creamy, and crowned with crispy fried onions and a golden layer of cheesy mashed potatoes, it’s a crowd-pleasing weeknight hero that brings big smiles around the table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This impressive casserole is all about hearty, everyday ingredients coming together in the most satisfying way! Each component brings essential flavor, color, and that signature down-home texture—just what you want in a family favorite.

• Fresh Green Beans (4 cups, cut): Use crisp, fresh beans for best color and flavor, though frozen works in a pinch.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can): Delivers that silky, classic casserole creaminess and savory backbone.
• Cream or Milk (½ cup cream or ⅓ cup milk): Adds rich moisture to the bean mixture; choose cream for extra decadence.
• Crispy Fried Onions (½ cup + ¼ cup divided): The secret to that irresistible crunchy topping and a little flavor through the layers.
• Soy Sauce (1 tbsp): Deepens the savory notes and balances the creamy texture with a little umami.
• Ground Beef (1 lb, or any ground meat): Choose beef for classic flavor, or swap for turkey, chicken, pork, or sausage for a twist!
• Small Onion, finely chopped: Sautéed with the meat for sweetness and depth.
• Russet Potatoes (3–4 medium-large, unpeeled): Their starchy texture makes the fluffiest mash and a golden crust.
• Butter (¼ cup, melted): Essential for creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes.
• Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): Gives the potatoes a nutty, salty lift.
• Shredded Cheese (1 cup): Melts into the topping for that ultimate bubbling, gooey finish—cheddar is classic, but use your favorite.

Variations

One of the best things about Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is how easily you can make it your own! Whether you’re working with what you have or catering to food allergies, these smart swaps turn this classic into your new signature dish.

• Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, pork, sausage, or even a plant-based crumble for a totally different but equally comforting vibe.
• Mushroom Lovers’ Dream: Stir in sautéed mushrooms with the onions for bonus earthiness and even more texture.
• Crispy Potato Top: Feeling extra? Swap the mashed potatoes for a layer of thin-sliced potatoes or use store-bought frozen hash browns on top!
• Cheese Upgrade: Add a blend of cheeses like smoked gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack to switch up the cheesy topping.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free fried onions and a GF cream soup to share with everyone at the table.

How to Make Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prep & Boil Your Veggies

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray your 9×9 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. While the oven heats, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cut green beans and cook for just about 5 minutes—they should turn bright green and tender-crisp. Drain them right away for the freshest color and bite.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Bean Mixture

In a big bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, soy sauce, half of your crispy fried onions, and your cream or milk. Gently stir in the drained green beans until coated. Spread this creamy, flavorful mixture in the bottom of your prepared baking dish to build the first layer of the casserole.

Step 3: Brown the Meat and Onion

Set a skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef (or chosen protein) along with the finely diced onion. Sauté until the meat is thoroughly browned and the onions are tender, then drain off any excess fat. Layer this savory meat mixture evenly over the beans in your baking dish, gently pressing it down with a spatula to set the second layer.

Step 4: Mash Those Potatoes

Boil your unpeeled potatoes in a large pot for about 15 minutes, or until totally fork-tender. Drain and return them to the warm pot. Add in the melted butter, cream (or milk), and Parmesan cheese. Beat with a hand mixer or mash by hand until creamy, almost whipped, but still holding some texture. Spoon this gorgeous mash over the meat layer and smooth it out as evenly as you can.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions over the potatoes, then shower with all that shredded cheese. Slide the casserole, uncovered, into the oven and bake for 45 minutes until bubbling. Finally, switch on the broiler and let it toast for about 5 minutes—just long enough for the cheese and fried onions to turn irresistible and golden. Serve immediately, and get ready for happy “mmm!”s all around!

How to Serve Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Garnishes

For a restaurant-style finish, sprinkle your Hamburger Green Bean Casserole with a handful of fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving. The splash of green adds a pretty pop of color and a whisper of garden-fresh flavor that balances all the rich, cozy layers perfectly.

Side Dishes

This casserole already delivers veggies, meat, and spuds, so serve it with a crisp side salad dressed simply or a medley of roasted carrots and parsnips for an extra boost of color. Warm, fluffy dinner rolls or a slice of crusty bread are perfect for scooping up every last delicious bite!

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking individual portions in ramekins for an extra-cute presentation, or serve family-style right from the bubbling dish at the table for a cozy, homey effect. For potlucks, double the recipe and use a big casserole pan; nothing draws a crowd like bubbly edges and a bronzed cheesy crust!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Hamburger Green Bean Casserole cool to room temperature. Cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container, and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen as they mingle overnight!

Freezing

This casserole is wonderfully freezer-friendly. After baking and cooling, wrap individual portions or the whole casserole tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, don’t add the fried onions until after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place portions in a 350°F oven, covered, until heated through (about 20–25 minutes). Remove any cover for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the cheesy, oniony topping. A quick 2–3 minutes under the broiler can restore that first-day crunch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a hearty, soul-satisfying meal that delivers both comfort and flavor, this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is for you. It’s a family tradition in the making—simple, flexible, and absolutely irresistible. Give it a try and let it become your new go-to for weeknights or any gathering that needs a little extra warmth.

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