Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the classic flavors of ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, green beans, and crispy fried onions. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make this delicious dish from scratch, along with variations to suit different dietary preferences, including keto and low-carb options.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced yellow onions
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 4 cups frozen cut green beans
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup French’s crispy fried onions

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Brown the Ground Beef:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and onion powder until well combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

1. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Layer the frozen green beans on top of the ground beef.
3. Pour the prepared sauce over the green beans, ensuring that they are fully coated.

5. Add Cheese and Fried Onions:

1. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
2. Scatter the French’s crispy fried onions over the cheese layer, adding a delicious crunch and flavor boost.

6. Bake to Perfection:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the fried onions to crisp up.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Serve the Hamburger Green Bean Casserole hot, garnished with additional crispy fried onions if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or chopped spinach, for added flavor and nutrition.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese to change up the flavor profile of the casserole. Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack cheese would all be delicious options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen? A: Yes, you can substitute fresh green beans for frozen in this recipe. Simply blanch the fresh green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the casserole.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

Q: Is there a keto-friendly version of this casserole? A: Yes, you can make a keto-friendly version of this casserole by omitting the condensed cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions, and replacing them with a homemade keto-friendly cream sauce and a crushed pork rind topping.

Keto and Low-Carb Version:

For a keto-friendly version of Hamburger Green Bean Casserole, follow these modifications:

• Instead of condensed cream of mushroom soup, make a keto-friendly cream sauce using heavy cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth.
• Replace the crispy fried onions with a crushed pork rind topping seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese.

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together the flavors of ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy onions in one delicious bite. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight dinner or served at a special gathering, this casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With its simple preparation and versatile ingredients, it’s easy to see why this dish has stood the test of time. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the comforting goodness of Hamburger Green Bean Casserole!