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Hamburger Green Bean Casserole featured image showing a delicious and comforting family meal.

ULTIMATE HAMBURGER GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

This recipe provides a foolproof method for creating the ultimate hamburger green bean casserole. By carefully addressing moisture, flavor, and texture, this version avoids the common pitfalls of soggy beans and bland taste, delivering a comforting and satisfying dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups French fried onions, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Large bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Oven
  • Fine-mesh sieve or colander (optional)
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the browned ground beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
  5. Gently fold in the drained green beans and 1 cup of French fried onions.
  6. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  7. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of French fried onions and shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is golden brown.
  9. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, drain the green beans thoroughly before adding them to the casserole. Browning the ground beef completely and draining off all the fat is also crucial for preventing a watery casserole. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.