Green Bean Casserole Beef has always been my go-to comfort food, especially when I need something satisfying and easy on a busy weeknight. I remember my mom making a version of this dish when I was a kid, and the aroma of savory ground beef mingling with creamy mushrooms and crisp green beans filled our kitchen. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish. This updated recipe, a true hearty green bean casserole with beef, takes those classic flavors and adds a delicious beefy punch that makes it incredibly satisfying. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up this amazing casserole for your family. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Casserole Beef
- An incredibly delicious and savory taste that satisfies cravings.
- Super quick to prepare, making it perfect for an easy beef green bean casserole.
- A more protein-packed version of a classic, offering a satisfying meal.
- It’s wonderfully budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples and ground beef.
- A guaranteed family-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- This ground beef green bean casserole is a step above the rest.
- It’s a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug.
- You’ll find this ground beef green bean casserole is perfect for potlucks.
Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole Beef
Putting together this delicious green bean casserole beef bake is a breeze with these simple ingredients. I’ve found that using good quality pantry staples really makes a difference in achieving that perfect flavor profile. This recipe is designed to be a comforting and flavorful creamy beef green bean casserole that everyone will adore.
- 1 pound ground beef – I prefer 80/20 for the best flavor and moisture.
- 1 medium onion, chopped – about 1 cup, for a sweet aromatic base.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup – this is the heart of the creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup milk – whole milk adds richness, but you can use 2% if you prefer.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce – adds a savory depth of flavor that complements the beef.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is best for a little kick.
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) cut green beans, drained – make sure to drain them well to avoid a watery casserole.
- 1 can (6 ounces) French-fried onions – these are essential for that classic crispy topping!
How to Make Green Bean Casserole Beef
Whipping up this easy beef green bean casserole is a straightforward process that guarantees a delicious, comforting meal. You’ll love how quickly the flavors meld together to create a truly satisfying dish. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic casserole ready in no time!
- Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish; you’ll transfer your mixture into it later.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, cook and crumble the 1 pound ground beef with the chopped onion over medium-high heat. Continue cooking until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is tender and fragrant.
- Step 3: Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy final dish.
- Step 4: Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
- Step 5: Gently stir in the 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) cut green beans, drained. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the beef and soup mixture.
- Step 6: Transfer this delightful mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, ensuring a consistent layer for baking.
- Step 7: Bake for 20 minutes. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, signaling that your green bean casserole beef is coming together beautifully.
- Step 8: Remove the dish from the oven and evenly top with the 1 can (6 ounces) French-fried onions. They’ll get perfectly crispy in the next step.
- Step 9: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the onions turn a lovely golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. This is how you complete your easy beef green bean casserole.
- Step 10: Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving this delicious green bean casserole beef. This allows it to set up slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Pro Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole Beef
Elevate your casserole game with these simple tricks for making the most delicious green bean casserole beef. These tips are my secret weapons for a consistently amazing dish!
- For an extra layer of flavor in your ground beef green bean casserole, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
- Don’t skip draining the grease from the ground beef! This is key to avoiding a greasy casserole and achieving that perfect texture.
- When adding the French-fried onions, ensure they are spread evenly across the top. This guarantees a crispy, golden crunch in every bite of your beef green bean casserole recipe.
What’s the secret to perfect Green Bean Casserole Beef?
The real secret to a perfect best green bean casserole beef lies in the balance of creamy, savory, and crispy elements. Properly draining the beef and ensuring those French-fried onions get perfectly golden brown are crucial steps I always focus on. For more tips on achieving perfect textures in cooking, you can explore resources on vegetable preparation.
Can I make Green Bean Casserole Beef ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can assemble this simple beef green bean casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the initial baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Green Bean Casserole Beef?
A common pitfall is an overly watery casserole; make sure to drain your green beans thoroughly and drain off all excess grease from the beef. Also, don’t overcook the onions on top, or they can burn instead of crisping up. Understanding common cooking mistakes can help prevent these issues.
Best Ways to Serve Green Bean Casserole Beef
This ground beef and green bean casserole is so versatile, it makes a fantastic centerpiece for any meal. It pairs beautifully with classic comfort food sides. For a truly hearty meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or a simple baked sweet potato. You can also add a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole. This dish is also a potluck favorite, so don’t hesitate to bring it to your next gathering! If you’re looking for more potluck ideas, check out these apple salad recipes.
Nutrition Facts for Green Bean Casserole Beef
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for a serving of this delicious green bean casserole beef. It’s a hearty dish that offers a good balance of flavors and nutrients. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary slightly based on specific ingredients used in your beef green bean casserole recipe.
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Sodium: 800 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Green Bean Casserole Beef
Properly storing and reheating your simple beef green bean casserole ensures it stays delicious and safe to eat. Once your amazing green bean casserole beef has cooled down for about an hour, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep this hearty dish in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it for longer, this ground beef green bean casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is easy! For refrigerated portions, you can gently warm the beef green bean casserole in the oven at around 325°F (160°C) until heated through, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first before using your preferred reheating method. You’ll be enjoying that delicious casserole green bean beef flavor again in no time! For more make-ahead meal ideas, consider these sloppy joe bowls.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Bean Casserole Beef
What’s the best way to make beef green bean casserole?
The key to a fantastic beef green bean casserole is layering flavors and textures. Start with well-browned ground beef and sautéed onions for a savory base. Then, use a creamy soup base and don’t overcook the green beans in the mix. Finally, that crispy onion topping is essential for the classic taste and crunch. This method ensures a delicious result every time you ask yourself how to make beef green bean casserole.
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned for this beef green bean casserole recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh green beans, you’ll want to blanch them first. Boil fresh green beans for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp, then drain them well before adding them to the casserole mixture. This ensures they cook through properly in the oven and don’t end up too crunchy in your ground beef green bean casserole.
What can I serve with this Green Bean Casserole Beef?
This versatile green bean casserole beef bake pairs wonderfully with many classic comfort foods. Consider serving it alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, a simple baked chicken breast, or even some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. A light side salad with a vinaigrette also offers a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole. For a great side, try these cheesy mashed potato balls.
Variations of Green Bean Casserole Beef You Can Try
This classic casserole is so adaptable! If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few ways to enjoy a different take on your favorite green bean casserole beef bake. Each variation offers a unique twist while keeping that comforting essence.
- Cheesy Delight: For an extra decadent and flavorful experience, try making a cheesy beef green bean casserole. Simply stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese with the French-fried onions before the final bake. The melty cheese adds another delicious layer!
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture. This gives your ground beef green bean casserole a nice, subtle warmth that complements the savory flavors.
- Creamy Herb Infusion: Enhance the creamy aspect of this beef green bean casserole recipe by adding a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the soup mixture. Fresh herbs, like chopped parsley, can also be stirred in before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Smoky Bacon Twist: For a smoky, savory addition, cook 4-6 slices of bacon until crisp, crumble them, and mix them in with the ground beef and onions. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your hearty green bean casserole with beef.
For more comforting dishes, explore these last recipes.
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Green Bean Casserole Beef: Hearty & Amazing
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
This hearty green bean casserole with beef recipe combines tender ground beef with classic green bean casserole flavors for a comforting and easy meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, this beef green bean casserole bake is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) cut green beans, drained
- 1 can (6 ounces) French-fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Gently stir in the drained green beans.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and top evenly with the French-fried onions.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving this delicious beef green bean casserole.
Notes
- For a cheesy beef green bean casserole, you can add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese along with the French-fried onions.
- You can substitute cream of celery soup for cream of mushroom soup if preferred.
- Adjust soy sauce and pepper to your taste.
- This beef green bean casserole recipe is easily adaptable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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