Masters of kitchen
There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that brings together simple ingredients and turns them into a warm, satisfying meal. If you’re juggling a busy weeknight, Hamburger Green Bean Casserole might just be your new best friend. It’s nostalgic, hearty, and budget-friendly—exactly the kind of recipe our grandmothers relied on when time was short and appetites were big.
Whether you grew up eating it or you’re discovering it for the first time, this casserole blends savory ground beef, tender green beans, and creamy mushroom soup into a deliciously fuss-free meal. Best of all? It only takes one pan, a handful of pantry staples, and a little oven time to pull it all together.
Perfect for meal prep, picky eaters, or cozy Sunday dinners, this casserole is a humble dish with real staying power. Let’s dig into what makes it so special—and how you can make it your own.
What Is Hamburger Green Bean Casserole?
Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a classic American comfort dish with roots in Midwestern kitchens, where casseroles have long reigned as practical, family-friendly meals. Unlike trendier or more complex casseroles, this one is refreshingly straightforward—featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, green beans, and a creamy mushroom base, often topped with something crunchy like French fried onions or breadcrumbs.
It’s part of the same lineage as favorites like Tater Tot Casserole or Tuna Noodle Casserole, but it stands out for its leaner profile and savory flavor punch. Where tater tots offer crisp carbs and tuna casseroles lean into seafood, this dish focuses on a beef-and-veg combo that’s both hearty and familiar.
The result? A creamy, comforting meal that satisfies meat lovers, sneaks in some veggies, and fills up the whole table without breaking the bank—or taking all night to make.
Ingredients for Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
This recipe shines because it uses simple, everyday ingredients that many home cooks already have on hand:
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Ground beef – Lean 85/15 is ideal for flavor and less grease
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Green beans – Canned, frozen, or fresh all work well
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Cream of mushroom soup – The creamy binder that ties it all together
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Onions – Adds depth and aromatic sweetness
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Salt, pepper, garlic powder – Simple but essential seasonings
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Optional cheese – Shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra richness
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Toppings – Crispy French fried onions or buttery breadcrumbs for crunch
Swap tips:
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Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
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Use fresh mushrooms and a béchamel-style sauce if avoiding canned soup
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For a dairy-free version, sub in plant-based cream soups and skip the cheese
This dish is endlessly flexible—ideal for customizing to taste or dietary needs.
How to Make Hamburger Green Bean Casserole (Step-by-Step Instructions)
You won’t need fancy techniques or a mile-long ingredient list here—just a few easy steps and about 45 minutes start to finish.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions & Season
Add diced onions and your preferred seasonings—salt, pepper, garlic powder, maybe a little paprika or Worcestershire sauce—and cook until the onions are soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Mix with Soup and Green Beans
Turn off the heat, then stir in the cream of mushroom soup until fully combined. Fold in the drained green beans (if using canned) or lightly steamed ones (if fresh or frozen). At this point, you can mix in some shredded cheese if you like it extra rich.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×9 or 9×13 baking dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle with crispy onions or breadcrumbs.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Pro tip: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up and makes serving much cleaner.
Why This Green Bean and Ground Beef Casserole Works So Well
There’s a reason this casserole recipe has stood the test of time. It hits all the right notes: savory, creamy, textured, and incredibly satisfying. The ground beef brings umami-rich flavor, while the green beans add freshness and color. The creamy mushroom soup ties everything together, giving it that smooth, cozy texture we all crave from a casserole.
It’s also freezer-friendly and holds up beautifully for leftovers, making it a great meal prep option. You can easily double the batch for a crowd or bake one now and freeze another for later.
Best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Kids love the taste, picky eaters don’t complain, and home cooks love how easy it is to throw together. It’s the kind of no-fail recipe that earns a spot in your regular rotation.
Nutritional Snapshot
While this is a comfort food classic, you can still make it fit your health goals with a few small tweaks. Here’s a general estimate for one serving (based on 6 servings per casserole):
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Calories: ~350–400 kcal
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Protein: 20–25g
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Fat: 22–28g
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Carbs: 15–20g
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Fiber: 3–5g
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Sodium: 600–900mg (depending on canned goods used)
Want to make it a little lighter?
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Use lean ground beef or ground turkey
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Opt for low-sodium or homemade cream of mushroom soup
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Add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or cauliflower rice
For low-carb or keto diets, skip the fried onion topping or use crushed pork rinds instead. You can even swap the soup for a homemade cream cheese and heavy cream mixture.
Tasty Variations of Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
One of the best things about Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you’re looking for more heat, more cheese, or fewer carbs, there’s a version that works for you.
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Cheesy version: Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella before baking. It adds creaminess and a golden top that’s hard to resist.
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Spicy twist: Want a little kick? Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or Cajun seasoning to the beef mixture.
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Southern-style: Spread a layer of cornbread batter or biscuit mix over the top before baking for a down-home twist.
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Low-carb/keto version: Replace the canned soup with a mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and beef broth. Swap out the crispy topping for crushed pork rinds or skip it altogether.
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Vegetarian option: Replace ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles. You’ll still get the hearty texture and flavor without the meat.
Don’t be afraid to get creative. This casserole is forgiving and can easily be tailored to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Expert Tips for Best Results
Want to take your casserole from good to great? Keep these tried-and-true tips in mind:
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Use lean ground beef (like 85/15) to avoid a greasy texture. Drain thoroughly after browning.
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Drain canned green beans well, or if you’re using frozen, steam and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
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Taste the filling before baking. Adjust salt, pepper, or garlic powder as needed. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard can also add complexity.
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Bake until bubbly and golden on top. That crispy finish adds texture and signals that it’s ready.
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Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve in tidy slices.
Bonus tip: If using breadcrumbs or fried onions as a topping, add them halfway through baking to prevent burning.
How to Make and Freeze Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
This casserole is a meal prep dream. You can prep it ahead, freeze it, or bake it fresh—whatever works best for your schedule.
To make ahead:
Assemble the full casserole in your baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, let it sit at room temp for 20 minutes, then bake as directed.
To freeze:
Freeze either before or after baking.
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For unbaked, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Label and freeze for up to 2 months.
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For baked, let it cool completely first, then freeze individual portions or the whole dish.
To reheat:
Use the oven for the best texture. Cover with foil and warm at 350°F until heated through. The microwave works too but can soften crispy toppings.
What to Serve with Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
This casserole can stand alone as a full meal, but pairing it with the right sides takes it to the next level.
Starches:
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Creamy mashed potatoes
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Buttery egg noodles
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Warm garlic bread or dinner rolls
Vegetables:
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Steamed carrots with a hint of honey or butter
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Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli for a crisp contrast
Salads:
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A tangy Caesar salad for crunch and richness
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Wedge salad with bacon and blue cheese
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A light vinaigrette-dressed greens mix to balance the richness of the casserole
If you’re entertaining, serve it buffet-style with a bread basket and two veggie sides for an easy, satisfying dinner spread.
Leftover Tips for Ground Beef Green Bean Casserole
Hamburger Green Bean Casserole stores beautifully—making it ideal for leftovers and next-day lunches.
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In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
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Reheating: Use the oven (350°F, 15–20 minutes) to maintain crispness. In a pinch, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
Leftover ideas:
Don’t let extras go to waste! Here are a few tasty repurposing tricks:
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Spoon the filling into flour tortillas for burritos
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Stuff it into bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake
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Serve over white or brown rice with a splash of hot sauce
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Create mini pot pies using puff pastry or biscuit dough on top
This casserole’s flavors deepen over time, making leftovers just as good—if not better—than day one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple casserole can go sideways without a few key precautions. Here’s what to steer clear of:
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Overcooking green beans – They’ll lose texture and color. Aim for tender-crisp.
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Using too much soup – The filling will get runny. Stick to the recommended amount or add a thickener.
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Skipping seasoning – Ground beef and canned soup need help. Taste and season generously.
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Not baking long enough – You want bubbling edges and a lightly golden top.
Tip: Always let it cool slightly after baking—it firms up and slices better.
FAQs About Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
Can I use frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes! Just thaw them first and pat dry to remove excess moisture. Frozen green beans tend to be fresher in flavor and texture than canned.
What’s the best meat substitute for a vegetarian version?
Mushrooms and lentils are great alternatives. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a similar texture and taste.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Brown the beef and mix everything together, then cook on low for 4–5 hours. Add crispy toppings right before serving.
How do I make it more flavorful?
Add sautéed garlic, Worcestershire sauce, or a splash of soy sauce. A little Dijon mustard or smoked paprika can deepen the flavor too.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Use a 9×13 inch baking dish and increase the cook time by about 10–15 minutes. It’s great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl (optional)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 85/15 lean recommended
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cans 14.5 oz each green beans, drained (or 3 cups fresh/frozen, steamed)
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional topping: 1 cup crispy fried onions or seasoned breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onions and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until onions soften.
- Remove from heat. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and drained green beans.
- (Optional) Stir in shredded cheese for extra creaminess.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with crispy onions or breadcrumbs, if using.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbling and golden on top.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen green beans for brighter color and better texture.
- Add 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for a flavor boost.
- Make it low-carb by using a cream cheese-based sauce and omitting fried onions.
- Great for freezing—store in portions for easy reheating.
- Add hot sauce or jalapeños for a spicy variation.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Come Back to This Recipe Again and Again
There’s a reason this dish is a go-to favorite in so many households. It’s quick, flexible, comforting, and downright delicious. Whether you’re feeding kids, prepping ahead for the week, or just craving something warm and familiar, Hamburger Green Bean Casserole always delivers.
Its no-fuss ingredients and one-dish simplicity make it a lifesaver on busy nights. And once you try a few variations, it becomes a blank canvas for your creativity.
So go ahead—make it your own, and keep it on rotation. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why this casserole earns a permanent place in your recipe box.
