Ground Beef Green Bean Casserole
What makes this beef green bean casserole so appealing is the balance of flavors and textures. The savory ground beef adds richness, the green beans bring a fresh bite, and the creamy, cheesy sauce ties everything together in the most comforting way.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9x13 Baking Dish
- Oven
- Cheese grater (optional)
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups green beans fresh, frozen, or canned, drained
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
Topping (Optional but Recommended)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish and set it aside.
- Pro tip: Greasing the dish well helps prevent the creamy sauce from sticking and makes cleanup much easier later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Cook for about 6–8 minutes until fully browned.
- Once browned, drain any excess grease so the casserole doesn’t turn oily.
- Pro tip: Don’t rush this step—letting the beef brown properly builds deeper flavor in the whole dish.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pro tip: Keep the heat medium so the garlic doesn’t burn—it should smell warm and aromatic, not bitter.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Base
- Lower the heat and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth.
- Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Add salt, black pepper, and paprika, then stir again.
- Pro tip: Stir continuously while adding the liquids so the sauce stays smooth and lump-free.
Step 5: Add Green Beans and Beef
- Gently fold in the cooked ground beef and green beans.
- Mix until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes so the flavors can start blending together.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.
Step 8: Add the Topping and Finish
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle crispy fried onions on top.
- Return to the oven for another 5 minutes until the topping is golden and crunchy.
- Pro tip: Add the fried onions at the end so they stay crispy instead of burning or going soft.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving.
- This helps it set slightly and makes scooping easier.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 380–450 kcal
- Protein: 22–26g
- Carbohydrates: 10–15g
- Fat: 25–30g
- Fiber: 3–5g
- Sodium: 600–850mg