Name: Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey; 1 large onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained, or 4 cups fresh/frozen; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup milk or beef broth; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1½ cups French fried onions; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika; Salt to taste; ½ cup mushrooms, diced and sautéed; 1 tablespoon ketchup or mustard for burger-like tang; Cooked bacon crumbles for extra smokiness

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 18 reviews

If comfort food had a greatest hits album, this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole would definitely be a chart-topper. Imagine all the best parts of a hearty cheeseburger—savory ground beef, zippy seasonings, gooey cheese—mixed with the creamy, classic green bean casserole we all know and love. The result? A bubbly, golden-topped wonder that’s a true crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep and tons of flavor, this is the kind of stick-to-your-ribs dinner you’ll find yourself craving again and again.

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Hamburger Green Bean Casserole really lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient, from the humble green bean to the crowning layer of crispy fried onions, has an important part to play. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to make your casserole extra special.

Ground beef or turkey: Brings hearty, savory flavor—use lean for less grease, or turkey for a lighter option.
Onion: Diced for sweetness and depth, it cooks down to aromatic perfection with the meat.
Garlic: Just a couple cloves minced add warmth and richness.
Green beans: Canned keeps it easy, but for best texture try fresh or frozen, blanched briefly first.
Cream of mushroom soup: The classic creamy binder—substitute with homemade if feeling fancy.
Milk or beef broth: Thins the sauce just enough; milk for creaminess, broth for extra savory punch.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded and bold, it melts into gooey bliss—feel free to mix in other cheeses!
French fried onions: The iconic crunchy topping—don’t skimp; it makes the casserole crave-worthy.
Worcestershire sauce: Lends burger-like umami that kicks things up a notch.
Black pepper: Great for a little background heat and flavor.
Paprika: Adds subtle color and depth; try smoked for extra interest.
Salt: Essential for rounding out the flavors—season to taste especially if using low-sodium soup.
Optional mushrooms: Sautéed chopped mushrooms boost earthiness and steakhouse vibes.
Optional ketchup or mustard: Adds a classic burger tang—just a squeeze makes a difference!
Optional bacon crumbles: Sprinkle on for smokiness and a little extra wow factor.

How to Make Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef (or turkey) with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is nicely browned and the onions are tender and fragrant. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole rich but not greasy—this little step makes a big difference in flavor!

Step 2: Mix With the Green Beans and Sauce

Next, add your drained green beans to the skillet, along with the cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and paprika. Give everything a good stir so it’s all wonderfully coated. If you’re going for bonus points, fold in sautéed mushrooms, a dash of ketchup or mustard, or even bacon at this point! Then transfer this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing into an even layer.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Fried Onions

The fun part! Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar over the entire surface of the casserole—don’t be shy, this is where the magic happens. Pile those French fried onions evenly on top; the more, the merrier for that unbeatable crunch and flavor contrast.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Bake your Hamburger Green Bean Casserole, uncovered, for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully golden and crisp topping, with the filling bubbling contentedly at the edges. The aroma should have everyone in the house wandering into the kitchen, asking when dinner’s ready!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole cool for about five minutes before serving—this helps it set, making it easier to scoop and saving everyone from burnt tongues. Dish it up hot, right from the baking dish, and watch plates get cleaned in record time.

How to Serve Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way here! Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color, scatter extra French fried onions just before serving for maximum crunch, or add pickles and a drizzle of ketchup on the side for that ultimate burger feel. Even a few sliced scallions can brighten up the whole dish.

Side Dishes

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but a few classic sides really round it out. Try serving it with buttery mashed potatoes, warm dinner rolls to soak up that creamy sauce, or a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. For a true diner-style experience, sweet corn or coleslaw are fantastic options as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun family dinners, serve this casserole in individual mini baking dishes or ramekins—kids love their own little servings! Or, use the leftovers as a filling for stuffed baked potatoes, or spoon it over toasted bread for an open-faced “burger melt” style lunch. The flexibility of Hamburger Green Bean Casserole makes it perfect for feeding a crowd, dinner parties, or even weekday meal prep.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hamburger Green Bean Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer to an airtight container. You can enjoy it for up to 4 days—easy lunches, here you come!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this casserole! Assemble it as directed, but leave off the fried onions until just before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, add the onions, and bake as usual.

Reheating

Reheating couldn’t be easier. Pop individual servings in the microwave for a minute or two until piping hot, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes). If you crave extra crunch, add a few fresh fried onions on top for the last couple minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just trim and blanch fresh green beans for 3–4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. They give the casserole a lovely texture and a vibrant bite that’s hard to resist.

Can I swap out the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, feel free to substitute with cream of chicken soup or homemade white sauce if you prefer. Vegans can use a plant-based cream soup to adapt Hamburger Green Bean Casserole for everyone at the table.

What’s the best way to add extra flavor?

Try adding sautéed mushrooms, a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce, or even a tablespoon of ketchup or mustard for that classic cheeseburger zing. Bacon crumbles are also a fantastic addition for a smoky twist.

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?

Look for gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and French fried onions, which are widely available at most grocery stores. Double check your Worcestershire sauce as well, just in case.

Can I assemble Hamburger Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover and refrigerate overnight, and then bake an extra 10 minutes from cold. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or prepping in advance for potlucks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving cozy, familiar flavors with a little extra flair, give Hamburger Green Bean Casserole a spot on your dinner table. It’s satisfying, simple, and downright irresistible—don’t be surprised if it becomes your new family favorite. Dive in and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!