Hamburger Green Bean Casserole: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Baked Cheesecake: Is there anything more decadent and comforting than a slice of perfectly baked cheesecake? This creamy, dreamy dessert has captivated taste buds for centuries, and for good reason! Imagine sinking your fork into a velvety smooth filling, resting upon a buttery, crumbly crust. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible.

The history of cheesecake stretches back to ancient Greece, where it was served to athletes as a source of energy. Over time, the recipe evolved and spread throughout the world, with each culture adding its own unique twist. The American version, the baked cheesecake, is particularly beloved for its rich and dense texture, achieved through slow baking in a water bath.

What makes baked cheesecake so universally appealing? Perhaps it’s the luxurious creaminess that melts in your mouth, or the satisfying contrast between the smooth filling and the crunchy crust. Maybe it’s the versatility – you can customize it with your favorite flavors, from classic vanilla to tangy lemon to rich chocolate. Whatever the reason, baked cheesecake is a dessert that brings joy to any occasion. So, let’s get baking and create a masterpiece that will impress your friends and family!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can cut green beans, drained
• 1 (2.8 ounce) can French fried onions, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Olive oil or cooking spray

Preparing the Hamburger Mixture

Alright, let’s get started! First, we’re going 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 a drizzle of olive oil or a spritz of cooking spray. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is a flavor killer.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. This is where the magic happens! Taste and add salt as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
4. Incorporate the Green Beans: Gently fold in the drained green beans into the hamburger mixture. Make sure the green beans are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. We want every bite to have a little bit of green bean goodness.

Assembling the Casserole

Now that we have our delicious hamburger and green bean mixture, it’s time to assemble the casserole. This is the easy part!

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 with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom.
3. Pour in the Mixture: Pour the hamburger and green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Add Half the French Fried Onions: Sprinkle half of the French fried onions evenly over the top of the mixture. This will add a nice crunch and flavor to the casserole. Save the other half for later!
5. Add Cheese (Optional): If you’re using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the French fried onions. Cheese makes everything better, right?

Baking the Casserole

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake our masterpiece. The aroma that will fill your kitchen is simply divine!

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly. The cheese should be melted and slightly golden brown (if using).
2. Add Remaining French Fried Onions: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions over the top.
3. Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the French fried onions are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn!
4. Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Your Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is now ready to be enjoyed! Here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Serve it as a main dish: This casserole is hearty enough to be a main course. Serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread.
• Serve it as a side dish: This casserole also makes a great side dish for potlucks, holidays, or family gatherings.
• Add a dollop of sour cream: A dollop of sour cream on top adds a nice tang and creaminess.
• Garnish with fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Pair it with mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with green bean casserole.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your Hamburger Green Bean Casserole? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Use different types of meat: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage.
• Add different vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or peas.
• Use different types of soup: Cream of celery soup or cream of chicken soup can be used instead of cream of mushroom soup.
• Add a layer of mashed potatoes: For an even heartier casserole, add a layer of mashed potatoes on top before baking.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the hamburger mixture for a little kick.
• Use fresh green beans: If you prefer, you can use fresh green beans instead of canned. Just make sure to blanch them before adding them to the casserole.
• Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add the French fried onions right before baking.
• Freeze it for later: This casserole can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

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

• Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving
• Fat: 20-30 grams per serving
• Protein: 20-25 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams per serving

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy Hamburger Green Bean Casserole! It’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy dish that’s destined to become a family favorite. I truly believe you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. The combination of savory ground beef, tender green beans, and that irresistibly crispy fried onion topping creates a symphony of textures and tastes that’s simply divine. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and satisfying, without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Why is this a must-try? Because it takes the classic green bean casserole and elevates it with the addition of protein-packed ground beef, transforming it into a complete and fulfilling meal. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking with different seasonings or additions. Plus, let’s be honest, who can resist that crunchy fried onion topping? It’s the perfect finishing touch to this already amazing casserole.

But the best part? It’s incredibly simple to make. Even if you’re a beginner cook, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and easy to follow. The ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, and the steps are clear and concise. You can even prep some of the components ahead of time, like browning the ground beef, to make weeknight cooking even faster.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it alongside a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, consider adding a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

And don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! Want to add a little spice? Try incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Looking for a cheesier casserole? Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top before baking. You could even swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.

Here are a few more ideas to spark your culinary creativity:

* Add a layer of cream cheese to the bottom of the casserole dish for an extra creamy texture.
* Mix in some cooked mushrooms or diced onions with the ground beef for added flavor and nutrients.
* Top the casserole with crushed potato chips instead of fried onions for a different kind of crunch.
* Use different types of canned green beans, such as French-cut or seasoned green beans, to change the flavor.
* Stir in a can of diced tomatoes for a tangier casserole.

The possibilities are endless! The key is to experiment and find what works best for your taste buds.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. It’s a true comfort food classic with a delicious twist.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think.

I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience! Let me know in the comments below what you thought of the casserole, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I love hearing from my readers. Happy cooking!