Beef and green bean casserole has roots stretching back to mid-20th century American home kitchens. At the heart of its legacy is convenience, often blending pantry staples like ground beef, canned green beans, and cream of mushroom soup into a single, hearty bake. This old-fashioned hamburger green bean casserole became a post-war sensation when quick meals met busy households, and it remains relevant today for one big reason: it tastes like home.
It’s no surprise that families today still crave this cozy, delicious dinner. It’s incredibly easy to assemble, budget-friendly, and flexible enough for every lifestyle; from traditional casseroles to keto beef and green bean casserole versions. Whether you’re a busy parent, meal-prepper, or just love hearty casseroles, you’ll discover how this recipe balances quick preparation and rich, satisfying flavor in every layer.
In this article, we’ll break down the classic beef and green bean casserole recipe, share pro tips to make it healthier or low carb, and answer common questions so you can make the best version possible. Along the way, we’ll weave in links to some equally comforting ideas like chicken pot pie casserole and helpful resources like what else can I do with ground beef?.
Table of Contents
Let’s get cooking.
PrintBeef and Green Bean Casserole: A Timeless American Favorite
This beef and green bean casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dinner that’s easy to prep and perfect for any weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 (14.5 oz) cans green beans, drained
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground beef and onions in a skillet. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. In a 9×13 baking dish, layer the green beans at the bottom.
5. Spoon the beef mixture over the green beans evenly.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
8. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh green beans for extra texture by blanching them first.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a cheesy twist.
This casserole freezes well—assemble and freeze before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
The Classic Recipe with a Rich Story
Simple comfort: why we still love it
This beef and green bean casserole recipe is a tribute to practicality. It takes just a few affordable ingredients: ground beef, canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and a few seasonings, and transforms them into a full meal. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner: one pan, under 40 minutes, minimal cleanup.
Its timeless popularity also owes much to the creamy, savory flavor from the soup and the satisfying protein of hamburger meat. Paired with green beans, this dish sneaks in veggies without protest, a win for picky eaters and nutrition-conscious parents alike. The traditional version uses pantry staples, making it dependable even when fresh groceries run low.
For busy days, it’s as dependable as your favorite skillet of beef and broccoli or your comforting plate of pikes peak beef roast.
Old fashioned hamburger green bean casserole: vintage charm
The old fashioned hamburger green bean casserole goes back generations. It became a staple when canned goods and processed soups emerged in the 1950s. Originally featured in vintage cookbooks and product ads from soup brands, it was designed to help homemakers create hearty meals quickly.
With its no-fuss approach, this dish fit perfectly with family dinners, church potlucks, and weeknight routines. Over time, variations emerged, some adding cheddar cheese, others swapping green beans with corn, peas, or tater tots. But the classic remains unmatched in its simplicity.
For nostalgic side dishes with that same vintage vibe, try pairing with crab cake sauce or discover how to reheat stuffed quesadilla leftovers to stretch family meals even further.
Creative Twists for Today’s Kitchens
Healthy ground beef and green bean casserole ideas
To make a healthier version of this classic, you can swap a few ingredients. Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat. Replace condensed soup with a homemade mushroom sauce using low-fat milk and whole mushrooms. Try fresh green beans instead of canned for more texture and less sodium.
Low carb ground beef and green bean casserole options are gaining popularity. To go full keto, skip any added potatoes or rice, and focus on cheese, beef, and green beans. Want to go even lighter? Add cauliflower rice or riced broccoli.
Like the concept of easy swaps? You might enjoy the cottage cheese banana muffins or these healthy food tricks using everyday ingredients.
Cheesy, hearty & keto-friendly variations
If you’re craving cheesy ground beef and green bean casserole, layer shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top before baking. This gives a delicious golden crust and pairs perfectly with the creamy mushroom base.
Looking for a complete keto beef and green bean casserole? Stick with cream cheese, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar for the sauce. Add garlic, onion powder, and a touch of paprika for depth of flavor.
Here’s a helpful comparison of keto vs. traditional options:
| Traditional Version | Keto Version |
|---|---|
| Cream of mushroom soup | Cream cheese + mushrooms + cream |
| Canned green beans | Fresh or frozen green beans |
| Optional potatoes/rice | No starch, optional cauliflower rice |
How to Make Beef and Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step-by-step preparation for guaranteed comfort
Making this beef and green bean casserole recipe is as simple as layering flavorful ingredients and letting the oven do the rest. In less than 45 minutes, you can enjoy a creamy, cheesy, and filling dish that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re making a classic version with condensed soup or tweaking it to fit a keto or low carb lifestyle, this recipe is incredibly adaptable.
Below is the most popular variation using ground beef, canned green beans, and cream of mushroom soup, but you can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences.
Step 1: Gather your ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a traditional beef and green bean casserole (serves 6):
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound (lean preferred) |
| Canned green beans (drained) | 2 cans (14.5 oz each) |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 small |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Garlic powder (optional) | ½ tsp |
You can also check out similar hearty dishes like our pikes peak beef roast or flavorful beef and broccoli for inspiration.
Step 2: Prepare the meat and layer the casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook for another minute to blend flavors.
- In a 9×13 baking dish, layer drained green beans on the bottom.
- Spoon the beef and soup mixture evenly over the green beans.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
You can cover with foil if you want a creamier texture or bake uncovered for a crispy cheese topping. If you’re looking for an even cheesier experience, consider using both cheddar and mozzarella like in many cheesy casserole dishes or the topping method used in our chicken pot pie casserole.
Step 3: Bake and serve
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This dish pairs beautifully with a light side salad or a roasted veggie medley, especially if you’re keeping things low carb. And for next-day enjoyment, it reheats wonderfully, see how we preserve flavors in meals like stuffed quesadillas for similar storage tips.
Serving and Storage Tips
Best ways to serve this comforting classic
Beef and green bean casserole is incredibly versatile. While it can absolutely stand alone as a complete meal, pairing it with simple sides can round it out beautifully. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette adds freshness to balance the richness of the creamy filling. Garlic bread or a warm dinner roll also makes a satisfying companion.
For a heartier twist, serve it over a scoop of mashed potatoes, or for low carb lovers, over cauliflower mash. You can even serve it in individual ramekins for guests during cozy dinner parties or holiday gatherings. If you’re into flavorful variations like this, you might love our guide on rasta pasta or shrimp wrap recipes that blend rich sauces with creative serving styles.
This casserole also adapts well for brunch or lunch the next day, just pair it with a light side or a fried egg on top for a unique twist.
Refrigerating, freezing, and reheating tips
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven (covered at 350°F for 15–20 minutes) until heated through.
Freezing instructions:
- Assemble the casserole, but skip the baking step.
- Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Label and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
If your freezer is part of your weekly prep routine, this casserole is as freezer-friendly as our chicken pot pie in popovers or make-ahead dishes like ground beef rice casseroles.
To keep cheese crisp during reheating, uncover the last 10 minutes in the oven. And if you’re reheating single portions, add a splash of milk or cream to keep it moist.
FAQs About Beef and Green Bean Casserole
PAA1: Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes! Just blanch fresh green beans in boiling water for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp before adding to the casserole. It adds better texture and color than canned.
PAA2: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. You can freeze a fully cooked casserole or freeze it unbaked. Wrap tightly with foil and store up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
PAA3: Can I make this beef and green bean casserole keto?
Yes! Use heavy cream, cream cheese, and fresh mushrooms instead of condensed soup. Avoid rice or potatoes and skip breadcrumbs. For extra flavor, add bacon or cheese.
PAA4: What other meats can I use besides ground beef?
Ground turkey, sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken can work well. Each brings its own flavor twist. Just make sure meat is cooked through before assembling.
Conclusion: The Perfect Weeknight Casserole
Whether you stick to the old fashioned hamburger green bean casserole recipe or go for a keto ground beef and green bean casserole twist, this dish delivers big on flavor, simplicity, and comfort. It’s proof that hearty meals don’t need fancy ingredients, they just need to taste good and fill you up.
If you’re looking for more quick dinner ideas, check out this ground beef recipe collection or try our take on chicken pot pie in popovers for something different yet comforting.
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