There’s a certain magic in the kind of dish that feels like it’s always been on your table. One that tastes like tradition but is simple enough to make after a long day. This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole recipe is exactly that kind of meal—a savory, cheesy classic that brings back memories of home-cooked dinners and the comfort of familiar flavors. I’m so grateful you’re here, because this is the kind of recipe I truly love sharing: easy, hearty, and endlessly adaptable.

Why This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Belongs in Your Recipe Box

This isn’t your average weeknight meal—it’s a full-on family favorite. What makes this casserole shine is the perfect balance of textures and flavors: juicy ground beef, tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and that melty cheddar cheese pull, all finished with crispy fried onions on top. It’s nostalgic in the best way but still feels relevant and crave-worthy today.

You don’t need to be a professional chef to pull this off. With just a few basic ingredients and a bit of layering magic, you’ve got a meal that feels like it took hours, even though it didn’t. And that’s something we all need more of in our lives—big payoff, little effort.

What Does Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Taste Like?

This casserole is a delicious mashup of a traditional green bean casserole and a hearty beef bake. The ground beef provides that rich, savory depth that makes every bite satisfying. The green beans add a fresh bite that balances the richness, and the mushroom soup and sour cream create a luxuriously creamy sauce. But the real star? That crispy topping of fried onions that gives it crunch, flavor, and serious personality.

It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to eat straight out of the pan, and frankly, no one’s judging you here. It’s warm, it’s comforting, and it’s exactly what home should taste like.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family-friendly: Kids love it, adults love it—there won’t be leftovers for long.
Budget-conscious: Uses inexpensive ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Quick and easy: On the table in under an hour from start to finish.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prep it in advance and just bake when needed.
Customizable: Lots of opportunities to tweak it to your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To bring this savory, creamy casserole to life, here’s everything you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (or 1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup crispy fried onions, store-bought (French’s-style)

Kitchen Tools Required

Large skillet
Mixing spoon or spatula
Large mixing bowl
9×13-inch baking dish
Colander (for blanching fresh green beans)
Oven (preheated to 375°F / 190°C)

Ingredient Substitutions and Add-Ins

This recipe is classic, but also wonderfully adaptable. Here’s how you can change it up:

Green Beans:

Substitute with frozen green beans (thawed) or canned beans (well-drained) for convenience.
For more crunch, use extra-fine green beans or haricot verts.

Ground Beef:

Use ground turkey or ground chicken to lighten it up.
For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based meat substitute or lentils.

Cream Soup:

Try cream of chicken or cream of celery if you don’t love mushrooms.
Want to go homemade? Use a basic roux with milk and sautéed mushrooms or onions.

Cheese:

Add mozzarella for a creamier pull, or pepper jack for a little heat.
A cheddar-Monterey Jack blend adds both flavor and melt factor.

Add-ins:

Mushrooms, diced carrots, or corn can be mixed in for added texture.
Top with crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs instead of onions for a twist.

How to Make Hamburger Green Bean Casserole – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onion

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef and 1 finely chopped small onion together. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 7–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the casserole from getting greasy.

Once drained, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans

If you’re using fresh green beans, blanch them in a pot of boiling water for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still vibrant. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.

If using canned or frozen green beans, just drain (or thaw) and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Base

In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with:

Prepared green beans
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt

Stir well until everything is evenly coated and the mixture is creamy and thick.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the beef and green bean mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.

Step 5: Add the Crispy Onion Topping

Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle 1 cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top and return it to the oven for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the onions are golden and crunchy.

Let rest for a few minutes before serving so it sets up perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes if you’re serving it for dinner. Here are a few of my go-to favorites:

Buttery mashed potatoes for a creamy complement.
Garlic bread or buttermilk biscuits to scoop up that creamy sauce.
Steamed carrots or roasted Brussels sprouts for extra veggie power.
Applesauce or a light fruit salad for a sweet contrast.

If you’re leaning toward a complete comfort food dinner, dessert is a must! Try finishing the meal with something fruity and cozy like these Mini Peach Pies or Fried Apple Pie Balls. Both are crowd-pleasers and easy to make ahead!

Tips for Casserole Success

Drain the beef thoroughly to keep the casserole from getting oily.
Freshly shred your cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking—it thickens up and slices beautifully.
Make it ahead of time and store in the fridge overnight. Just increase the baking time slightly if it’s cold when you start.

Storage Instructions

This recipe stores incredibly well, which makes it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Freezer:
Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking again to reheat.

To Reheat:
Cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual servings on medium heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Use two pans or a deeper casserole dish, and adjust the bake time by an additional 10–15 minutes.

What if I don’t like mushrooms?
Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or celery. You could also use a homemade white sauce if you prefer.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free cream soup and make sure your fried onions are certified gluten-free (some brands are).

What cheese works best in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Once you fall in love with this casserole (and you will), here are more recipes that bring the same cozy vibe to your table:

Fried Apple Pie Balls – A crisp, sweet dessert that’s easier than pie and perfect for a post-casserole treat.
Mini Peach Pies – Buttery, juicy, and baked in a muffin tin—ideal for summer dinners or anytime comfort.
Strawberry Crunch Apples Cream Cheese Dip – A no-bake dessert that pairs beautifully with casseroles for casual entertaining.

Join the Fun – Share Your Results!

Have you made this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole? I’d absolutely love to see your version! Leave a review and drop a photo on Pinterest. Tag us and show off your delicious success—you might just inspire someone else to try it too.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 420
Protein: 23g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 680mg

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is everything we love about a cozy weeknight dinner—savory, creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy fried onions. It’s a comforting classic made with simple pantry staples, perfect for busy nights or family get-togethers. So easy to make, and even easier to love!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup crispy fried onions (French’s-style)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes. Drain the excess fat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside. If using canned, drain and rinse.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
Return to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Using fresh green beans? Don’t skip the blanching—it keeps their color bright and texture perfect.
Want to mix it up? Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or swap the cream of mushroom for cream of chicken soup.
If you love heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese.
Leftovers? Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Just increase the baking time by 10–15 minutes if baking from cold.