This creamy and comforting casserole is a satisfying one-pan meal loaded with ground beef, tender green beans, melty cheese, and a flavorful sauce. Topped with crispy fried onions for the perfect crunch, it’s the kind of classic dish that feels like home. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving a crowd, this recipe is hearty, easy, and endlessly versatile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is easy to prepare, uses common pantry staples, and can be customized to fit your taste. It combines savory flavors and creamy textures that appeal to both kids and adults. Plus, you can prepare it in advance, and leftovers taste just as delicious the next day. It’s also a fantastic dish for using up ingredients you already have on hand.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 Pound Ground Beef – You can also use ground turkey or ground sausage for a flavor twist.
1 Small Yellow Onion, Diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced (Optional) – Enhances the savory flavor if you enjoy garlic.
3 Cans (14.5 Ounces Each) Cut Green Beans, Drained – You can substitute with 4 cups of fresh or frozen green beans, blanched until tender-crisp.
1 Can (10.5 Ounces) Cream Of Mushroom Soup – This forms the creamy base of the sauce.
1/2 Cup Sour Cream – Adds richness and a slight tang.
1/2 Cup Whole Milk – Helps thin the sauce for a creamy texture.
1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce – Brings umami depth to the dish.
1 Cup Crispy Fried Onions – Adds a golden, crunchy topping to finish the dish.
Directions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cook The Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion. Add minced garlic if using. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease.
Make The Sauce
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked beef mixture, drained green beans, and 1 cup of shredded cheese to the sauce. Mix everything together until evenly combined. You can do this in the skillet if it’s large enough, or transfer to a mixing bowl.
Transfer To Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top. If using, add the crispy fried onions as a topping.
Bake The Casserole
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. If you prefer extra crispy onions, you can add them during the last 5–10 minutes of baking.
Servings And Timing
Servings: 6 to 8 Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes Total Time: 45 Minutes
Variations
Use Different Meats: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Change The Soup: Try cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if you prefer a different base.
Add More Vegetables: Mix in corn, peas, carrots, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
Make It Spicy: Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Bulk It Up: Add cooked rice, diced potatoes, or egg noodles to stretch the dish.
Top With Mashed Potatoes: Turn it into a shepherd’s pie-style casserole.
Try Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack.
Make It Low Carb: Use fresh green beans and skip the crispy fried onions.
Add Bacon Or Ham: Stir in cooked bacon bits or diced ham for extra savory goodness.
Use French Fried Onions Sparingly: If you’re watching calories or sodium, reduce the amount of fried onions or use crushed crackers instead.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If the casserole was topped with crispy onions, you can add a fresh layer before reheating to maintain crunch. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole without the fried onions. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
FAQs
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake when ready to serve.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, it freezes well. Assemble without the fried onions and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the topping just before baking.
Can I Use Fresh Green Beans?
Absolutely. Blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until tender-crisp before adding to the casserole.
What Can I Use Instead Of Cream Of Mushroom Soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or a homemade white sauce.
Is This Casserole Gluten-Free?
It can be if you use gluten-free soup and toppings. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I Make This In A Crockpot?
Yes. Cook the beef mixture first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours.
How Do I Keep The Fried Onions Crispy?
Add the crispy fried onions during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking to keep them crunchy.
Can I Add Pasta Or Rice?
Yes, cooked pasta or rice can be mixed into the casserole to make it more filling.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Try crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or shredded hash browns for a different texture.
What Should I Serve With This Dish?
It pairs well with mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, or a green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a timeless comfort food that’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. With simple ingredients and endless options for customization, this casserole is sure to become a regular on your dinner table. Whether you’re craving something cozy or planning ahead for a busy week, this recipe delivers every time.
A creamy, comforting one-pan casserole made with ground beef, green beans, cheese, and a savory mushroom sauce, all topped with crispy fried onions. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion. Add garlic if using. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add the cooked beef mixture, drained green beans, and 1 cup of shredded cheese to the sauce. Stir to combine evenly.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and crispy fried onions.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. If you want extra crispy onions, add them during the last 5–10 minutes of baking.
Notes
Use fresh or frozen green beans if preferred—just blanch before using.
Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery for variety.
Add jalapeños or chili flakes to make it spicy.
Top with crackers or breadcrumbs instead of fried onions for a lighter option.
