Grandma's Secret Weapon: The BEST Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
Remember those cozy family dinners? This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is just like that – a comforting classic, elevated with a hearty beefy twist. It's surprisingly easy, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch casserole dish
- Skillet
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 preferred
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups green beans fresh or frozen, cut into 1–2 inch pieces
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp cheddar
- 2 cups hash browns or cooked potato slices frozen or refrigerated, optional
- 1/2 cup French fried onions or crushed Ritz crackers for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked beef mixture, green beans, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, and the optional hash browns to the bowl with the sauce. Gently mix everything together.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with French fried onions or crushed Ritz crackers. Bake for another 5–7 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to experiment! You could use different cheeses, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack. Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra veggies. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes! Make it ahead! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. Just add the topping right before baking. If using fresh green beans, blanch them briefly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are tender-crisp.