Easy Weeknight Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Bake
This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Bake is a simple, hearty, and comforting mashup of classic flavors. It's a ridiculously easy, incredibly flavorful, and totally crowd-pleasing dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended, drain grease well
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 29 oz green beans from 2 (14.5 oz) cans, drained (or 4 cups fresh blanched)
- 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup from 1 can
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1.5 cups crispy fried onions divided
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish; greasing is not needed.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it up and cook until browned through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off all excess grease.
- Step 3: Reduce heat slightly if needed. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Step 4: Scoop the cooked ground beef and onion mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the well-drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Stir until combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 5: Gently fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of the crispy fried onions into the mixture.
- Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Step 9: Take the casserole out of the oven. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions all over the top.
- Step 10: Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the fried onions are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Step 11: Carefully remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Tips: Drain the grease well! Mixing some fried onions into the casserole adds flavor and texture throughout. Watch the final bake for the crispy onions so they don't burn. Prep Ahead: Assemble the base mixture (everything except the final cheese and crispy onions), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the final toppings and bake when ready, adjusting the initial bake time if needed.
Storage: Let cool completely. Cover tightly or transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat in microwave or 350°F (175°C) oven. Crispy onions may soften upon reheating.
Substitutions: Use cream of chicken or celery soup. Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage. Add sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or corn. Use Gruyere, mozzarella, or a Colby Jack blend. Add garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Swap crispy onions for breadcrumbs mixed with butter, crushed crackers, or crushed potato chips.