Hamburger Green Bean Casserole: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole: Prepare to rediscover a classic comfort food with a hearty, protein-packed twist! Forget everything you thought you knew about this Thanksgiving staple because we’re about to elevate it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Imagine the creamy, savory goodness of traditional green bean casserole, now infused with the rich, satisfying flavor of seasoned ground beef. It’s a culinary marriage made in heaven, and trust me, your family will be begging for seconds.

While the exact origins of green bean casserole are debated, it’s widely accepted that it gained immense popularity in the mid-20th century, thanks to a clever marketing campaign by Campbell’s Soup. The original recipe, featuring cream of mushroom soup, green beans, and crispy fried onions, quickly became a Thanksgiving and holiday dinner mainstay across America. But we’re not stopping there! We’re taking this beloved dish and giving it a modern, family-friendly upgrade.

People adore green bean casserole for its comforting flavors, creamy texture, and ease of preparation. It’s a dish that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, reminding us of family gatherings and holiday traditions. Adding hamburger not only boosts the flavor profile but also transforms it into a complete and satisfying meal. This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both delicious and easy to make. Get ready to experience a new family favorite!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can cut green beans, drained
• 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)

Preparing the Ground Beef Mixture

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to brown our ground beef. This is the foundation of our casserole, so let’s make it flavorful.

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. We want it to be nicely browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. Drain the Excess Grease: Once the beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole! You can use a colander or carefully tilt the skillet and spoon the grease out.
3. Add the Onion and Seasonings: Now, add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. This will add a nice sweetness and depth of flavor to the mixture. Next, stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. The aroma should be amazing at this point!
4. Incorporate the Cream of Mushroom Soup and Milk: Pour in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir well to combine everything. The mixture should be creamy and smooth. If it seems too thick, you can add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Add Cheese and Worcestershire Sauce: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and gooey. Then, add the Worcestershire sauce. This adds a savory depth that really enhances the flavor of the beef mixture. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Assembling the Casserole

Now comes the fun part – putting everything together! This is where our casserole starts to take shape.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve. You can use cooking spray or a little bit of butter.
3. Combine Beef Mixture and Green Beans: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef mixture with the drained green beans. Gently stir to coat the green beans evenly with the beef mixture. We want every bite to have a good balance of beef and green beans.
4. Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Make sure the surface is relatively smooth so the topping will bake evenly.
5. Add French Fried Onions: Sprinkle 2/3 cup of the French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. We’re saving the rest for later! These onions will add a delicious crunch and flavor to the top of our casserole.

Baking the Casserole

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake our casserole to golden-brown perfection.

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the French fried onions are golden brown. Keep an eye on it to make sure the onions don’t burn.
2. Add Remaining French Fried Onions: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of French fried onions over the top. This second layer of onions will give us an extra crispy topping.
3. Return to Oven: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the French fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
4. Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
5. Garnish (Optional): If desired, sprinkle a little paprika over the top for a pop of color.

Serving Suggestions

This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal:

• Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing! Mashed potatoes complement the casserole perfectly.
• Corn on the Cob: Another great side dish that adds a touch of sweetness.
• Dinner Rolls: Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your casserole? Here are a few ideas:

• Use Different Ground Meat: You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Cream of Celery Soup: Substitute cream of celery soup for cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
• Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup: For a truly homemade touch, make your own cream of mushroom soup!
• Breadcrumb Topping: If you’re not a fan of French fried onions, you can use a breadcrumb topping instead. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and seasonings, and sprinkle over the top of the casserole before baking.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
• Fat: 20-25 grams
• Protein: 20-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole as much as I do! It’s a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s recap why this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is about to become your new weeknight hero. We’ve taken the classic comfort of green bean casserole and given it a hearty, family-friendly twist with the addition of savory ground beef. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s satisfying, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for those picky eaters! Forget slaving away in the kitchen for hours; this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

But the real magic lies in its versatility. While I’ve shared my go-to version, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a little kick.
* Cheese, please! Sprinkle some shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a little Parmesan cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
* Veggie boost! Feel free to toss in some extra veggies like chopped mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers when you’re browning the beef.
* Creamy Dreamy: For an even richer casserole, substitute the milk with half-and-half or even a dollop of sour cream.
* Crusty Topping Alternatives: While the crispy fried onions are a classic, consider using crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs tossed with melted butter, or even crumbled potato chips for a different textural experience.
* Make it a Meal: Serve this casserole with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. It also pairs perfectly with cornbread or a simple side of roasted vegetables.
* Leftover Love: This casserole is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

I truly believe this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a must-try for anyone looking for a simple, delicious, and comforting meal. It’s the perfect dish to bring to a potluck, serve at a family gathering, or simply enjoy on a cozy night in. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ground beef!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food. I’m confident that you and your family will absolutely love this recipe.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and how it turned out. Did you add any special ingredients? Did your family give it a thumbs up? Your feedback is invaluable, and I love hearing about your culinary adventures. Sharing your experiences helps other readers discover new ways to enjoy this delicious casserole. Don’t be shy – share your photos on social media too and tag me! I can’t wait to see your creations. Happy cooking!

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