Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

By Tyla | Last modified on Jan 3, 2026

Featured in: Dinner

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any family dinner table. This hearty, cheesy casserole combines savory ground beef, tender green beans, and creamy mushroom soup into a perfectly baked dish that delights both kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a cozy dish for a special occasion, this casserole delivers an irresistible blend of flavors and textures with its golden melted cheese and crispy fried onion topping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines simple pantry ingredients for a quick, delicious meal.
Richly flavored with garlic and onion powders enhancing every bite.
Comforting, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a crowd of six.

Ingredients

Ground beef (1 pound): Lean and fully cooked beef provides a hearty protein base that balances the creamy and crunchy elements.
Green beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained): Adds a tender vegetable component with a mild flavor and pleasing texture.
Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Creates a rich, creamy sauce that binds the casserole ingredients together beautifully.
Milk (½ cup): Used to thin the mushroom soup slightly, giving the casserole a smooth, velvety texture.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts to form a flavorful, golden cheesy topping that complements beef and veggies.
French fried onions (1 cup): Provides a crispy, savory crunch topping for a delightful contrast to the creamy casserole.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant, robust layer of garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Imparts a subtle sweetness and depth that enhances the overall taste.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to balance and highlight all the flavors perfectly.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature by the time your casserole is ready. This temperature bakes the dish evenly without drying it out.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Mix Ingredients in a Bowl: Combine the cooked beef, drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mixing these ensures every bite has a balanced flavor and creamy texture.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly inside. This step creates an even layer that bakes consistently throughout the casserole.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. As it melts, it forms a rich, savory crust that adds irresistible flavor and texture.
Bake Until Bubbly: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through, melding flavors and melting the cheese into a bubbly topping.
Finish with French Fried Onions: Remove from oven, sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the casserole, then return it to bake for another 5 to 10 minutes. This final step toasts the onions to a perfect golden brown, adding a satisfying crunch.

You Must Know

For extra flavor, diced onions or bell peppers can be added to the beef during browning.
This casserole can be prepped ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it perfect for busy nights.
Drain the canned green beans well to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover casserole covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve the crispy onion topping or in the microwave for a quicker option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty casserole alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs wonderfully with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Professional Tips

Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and improve texture.
To enhance the creamy sauce, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of paprika.
If you prefer fresh green beans, blanch them briefly before adding to maintain texture and color.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?: Yes, fresh green beans work well; blanch them for 3-4 minutes before using to keep them crisp-tender.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?: You can substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative to create a vegetarian version.
Can this casserole be frozen?: Yes, freeze before baking in a suitable container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?: Substitute with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup, or make a homemade white sauce for a fresh flavor.
How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?: Drain all canned ingredients thoroughly and avoid overmixing to keep a firm texture. Also, bake uncovered to let excess moisture evaporate.
Can I add more cheese?: Absolutely! Adding a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar can increase the richness and flavor.
How spicy is this casserole?: This version is mild, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to taste if desired.