Hamburger Green Bean Casserole: A Twist on a Classic

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Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Forget everything you thought you knew about green bean casserole. This isn’t your grandmother’s holiday side dish; this is a Hamburger Green Bean Casserole, a hearty, flavorful explosion that reimagines a beloved classic with a juicy, savory twist. We’re blending the comforting creaminess of traditional green bean casserole with the satisfying richness of ground beef, creating a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new. Imagine tender green beans nestled in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions and… wait for it… seasoned ground beef! This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a complete meal in itself, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a surprisingly sophisticated addition to your holiday spread. Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure that will redefine your expectations of this timeless classic. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food, elevated to new heights of deliciousness.

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onion Topping

A fun twist on a classic! This recipe combines juicy hamburgers with tender green beans and a crunchy onion topping for a hearty and flavorful casserole.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground beef
  • 1 lb Green beans fresh or frozen
  • 1 can (10.75 oz) Cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup Milk
  • 1 cup French fried onions for topping
  • 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat; drain off excess fat.
  • Stir in soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce; cook for 1 minute more.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooked ground beef, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
  • Top with French fried onions during the last 5 minutes of baking.
  • Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth instead of milk. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms.
Keyword comfort food, easy recipe, family dinner, green bean casserole, hamburger

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe

This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole recipe isn’t just about adding ground beef to a classic; it’s about creating a culinary masterpiece that balances savory and sweet, creamy and crunchy, in perfect harmony. The addition of ground beef brings a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. It adds a satisfying protein boost, making it a more substantial meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fulfilling holiday side. The combination of the juicy hamburger, the tender green beans, and the rich mushroom sauce is simply irresistible. The crispy fried onions provide the perfect textural contrast, adding a delightful crunch to every bite. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! Even novice cooks can achieve delicious results with this simple, step-by-step recipe. You’ll save time and effort, without sacrificing flavor or quality. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, impressing both seasoned food enthusiasts and picky eaters alike. It’s versatile enough to be adapted to suit your dietary needs and preferences – imagine a vegetarian version with lentils or a spicy kick with jalapeños! This recipe is your secret weapon for stress-free entertaining and deliciously satisfying meals. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. You’ll find yourself making this again and again.

Why You Should Try This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe

In a world of endless recipe options, this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole stands out for its unique combination of flavors and textures. It’s a delicious departure from the traditional, offering a new and exciting take on a classic comfort food. This recipe is a perfect example of how a simple addition can dramatically transform a familiar dish. The ground beef adds a hearty protein element, creating a more substantial and satisfying meal, especially appealing for those looking for a complete dish instead of just a side. It’s a creative and fun way to use up leftover ground beef, making it a budget-friendly option without compromising on taste. The recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your personal preferences, adding different spices or herbs to create your own unique variation. This recipe is a great way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort, delivering big on flavor and presentation. Moreover, it’s a recipe that encourages creativity in the kitchen. You can experiment with different types of mushrooms, add other vegetables, or even try different types of cheese for a truly personalized experience. Try it, and you might just discover your new favorite casserole!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

  • Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g) of lean ground beef, the star of our savory twist!
  • Green Beans: 2 (14.5 ounce) cans of cut green beans, drained. Fresh green beans can also be used (about 1 pound).
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: 2 (10.75 ounce) cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup, the creamy heart of the casserole.
  • Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) of milk, to enhance the creaminess.
  • Mushrooms: 8 ounces (225g) of sliced mushrooms (cremini or button mushrooms work well), for extra depth of flavor.
  • Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, for added sweetness and savory notes.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced, for aromatic punch.
  • Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste, for perfecting the flavor profile.
  • Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon, for an umami boost.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon, adds a hint of complexity.
  • Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon, enhances savory notes.
  • Fried Onions: 1 (6 ounce) can of french fried onions, for that irresistible crunchy topping.
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing the vegetables.

Recommended Tools and Utensils

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Can opener
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Detailed Recipe Steps for Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

  1. Prepare the Ground Beef: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Season the beef with salt, pepper, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Set aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about another 5-7 minutes.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir until everything is well combined and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Add the Green Beans: Gently fold in the drained green beans. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the can of fried onions.
  6. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Top with the remaining fried onions during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra crispiness.
  7. Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations for Your Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Ingredient Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, for a more intense flavor. You can also add other vegetables, such as diced carrots or celery, to enhance the casserole’s nutritional value. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. If you prefer a creamier casserole, add a little more milk or cream.

Dietary Variations: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian sausage. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure your fried onions are certified gluten-free.

Avoiding Common Mistakes: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the ground beef, as this will prevent it from browning properly. Make sure the vegetables are cooked through before adding them to the casserole. Avoid overbaking the casserole, as this can dry it out. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set. Don’t add all the fried onions at once; reserving some for the top ensures a nice, crunchy topping.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

While the exact nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, a serving of this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole offers a good source of protein from the ground beef and green beans. Green beans are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. Mushrooms are a great source of selenium and other essential minerals. The cream of mushroom soup adds some calcium. This recipe is a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and relatively nutritious meal. However, remember that this is a relatively high-calorie dish due to the cream of mushroom soup and fried onions.

Note: For precise nutritional information, it’s best to use a nutrition calculator and input the exact brands and quantities of ingredients used in your recipe.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans in this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain them well before adding them to the casserole. Frozen green beans might release more water during cooking, so you may want to reduce the amount of milk slightly.

What kind of ground beef is best for this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole?

Lean ground beef (around 80% lean) works well. It provides enough flavor and richness without excessive grease.

Can I make this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the fried onions right before baking to maintain their crispiness.

Is this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole recipe suitable for freezing?

It’s best not to freeze this casserole with the fried onions already on top. Assemble the casserole, freeze it, then add the fried onions just before baking after thawing completely.

How can I make this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the ground beef mixture before combining it with the other ingredients. You could also incorporate some diced jalapeños for extra heat.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole recipe is a testament to the power of simple additions and creative twists. It takes a classic comfort food and transforms it into a hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly sophisticated dish. The combination of juicy ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions is irresistible. We hope you’ve enjoyed this detailed guide and are ready to embark on your culinary adventure. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments section below! Let us know how your Hamburger Green Bean Casserole turned out and what variations you experimented with. Share your photos on Pinterest! Check out our Pinterest page for more inspiration! And, most importantly, enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal!

For more delicious recipe ideas, check out our other recipes like our Asparagus Lemon Basil Ricotta Stuffed Shells or our Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole for a similar comforting experience. If you are craving something a bit lighter, consider our Shrimp and Rice Bowl.

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