For the casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (16 oz) bag frozen French-cut green beans (no need to thaw)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for GF)
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (optional, for extra richness)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
For the topping:
- 1 (6 oz) can French’s® Crispy Fried Onions (or homemade)
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
🥣 Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish .
Brown the beef
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add onion and garlic; cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Drain excess fat and set aside.
Make the creamy sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Stir in sour cream, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add green beans and cook 5–7 minutes until tender.
Combine & layer
- Stir in cooked beef.
- Pour mixture into the baking dish.
- Top with crispy fried onions (and cheese if using).
Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes , until bubbly and the onions are golden.
Serve hot
- Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
- Pair with a green salad, rolls, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for the Best Casserole
🔥 Don’t skip the roux — it thickens the sauce without canned soup
🔥 Use frozen green beans — they cook perfectly in the oven
🔥 Add cheese for extra richness — kids love it
🔥 Make it ahead — assemble and refrigerate unbaked. Add 10 minutes to bake time
🔥 Freeze for later — cool and freeze in portions for up to 3 months
Ways to Customize Your Casserole
Love the base? Try these fun twists:
- 🍗 Turkey or Chicken Version – Swap beef for ground poultry
- 🌶️ Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce
- 🍄 Extra Mushrooms – Sauté fresh mushrooms with the onions
- 🥦 Veggie-Packed – Add corn, peas, or diced bell peppers
- 🍝 Noodle Twist – Mix in cooked egg noodles for a casserole mashup
- 🍞 Homemade Topping – Bake thinly sliced onions with oil until crispy
What to Serve With Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
This dish is a complete meal , but here are some great pairings:
- A crisp garden salad with ranch dressing
- Buttermilk biscuits or dinner rolls
- Cornbread or garlic toast
- A cold glass of milk or iced tea
Perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Holiday leftovers
- Meal prep lunches
- Freezing for future meals
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use fresh green beans?
Yes — blanch them first for 3–4 minutes, then drain and use.
❓ Can I make it without canned soup?
Absolutely! The roux-based sauce replaces it perfectly.
❓ Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed.
❓ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — if you use gluten-free flour and fried onions .
Final Thoughts
Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is the perfect balance of hearty, creamy, and comforting — a dish that’s easy to love and even easier to make .
With its savory beef, tender green beans, and crispy onion topping , it’s no wonder this recipe is a family favorite and dinner savior .
So next time you need a quick, satisfying meal that feeds a crowd and reheats like a dream — bake a pan of this golden, nostalgic casserole .
Because sometimes, the best dinners are the ones that taste like childhood — with a little extra beef on top .
