Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

An easy chicken hamburger green bean casserole is a delightful dish that combines tender ground beef, crisp green beans, and rich cheese. This comforting casserole cooks in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s not only delicious but also gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly, appealing to a variety of dietary preferences. Enjoy the hearty flavors and satisfying textures of this unique casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With prep and cook time totaling just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of ground beef, fresh green beans, and savory mushrooms creates a rich taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an entrée or a side dish; it pairs well with salads or bread alternatives.
• Low-Carb Delight: Ideal for keto diets, this casserole allows you to enjoy comfort food without the carbs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cook everything in one skillet for easy cleanup and minimal fuss.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your hamburger green bean casserole efficiently, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast-iron skillet: Perfect for even heat distribution and retains heat well, ensuring your casserole cooks evenly.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, saving precious time in preparation.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors in your dish.

Ingredients

An easy chicken hamburger green bean casserole with mushrooms cooks in less than 30 minutes, plus it’s a gluten-free, low carb, and keto ground beef casserole too.

For the Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups green beans
• 1 cup onion (diced)
• 1 cup mushrooms
• 3 tsp minced garlic
• 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 2 Tbsp cream cheese
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups Colby jack cheese (shredded; cut back to 1 cup for a less cheesy option)
• 1/8 tsp dried thyme

How to Make Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a cast-iron skillet, cook the ground beef on medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the ground beef from the pan and drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of grease in the pan for sautéing.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms

In the same skillet, cook the chopped onions over medium heat until they start to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Green Beans and Garlic

Add in the green beans, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the green beans are tender along with other vegetables.

Step 4: Mix in Cream Cheese and Sour Cream

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese followed by sour cream into the mixture. Stir until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Return the cooked ground beef back into the skillet along with sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently stir to mix everything together evenly.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded Colby jack cheese over the top of your casserole mixture.

Step 7: Broil or Cover to Melt Cheese

Place your entire skillet in the oven to broil for about 2 minutes until cheese is browned and melted. Alternatively, cover with a lid on stovetop over medium-low heat for about 3-4 minutes until melted.

Enjoy your delicious Hamburger Green Bean Casserole!

How to Serve Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Serving Hamburger Green Bean Casserole can be both delightful and simple. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance the meal experience.

Family Style

• Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic feel that encourages sharing.

Individual Portions

• Dish out servings into bowls for a more formal presentation, perfect for guests or special occasions.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each serving with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color and flavor.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

• Offer slices of crusty bread on the side for dipping or mopping up the delicious sauce.

Pair with a Salad

• Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.

With Hot Sauce

• Provide hot sauce on the table for those who enjoy an extra kick of spice.

How to Perfect Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Making your Hamburger Green Bean Casserole just right can elevate this dish. Here are some tips to ensure perfection:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the overall flavor and texture of the casserole.

• Don’t Overcook Vegetables: Slightly undercooked green beans will maintain their crunch and color in the final dish.

• Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheese blends like mozzarella or cheddar jack for varied flavors.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go, adding more salt, pepper, or spices based on your personal preference.

• Broil for Extra Crispiness: Broiling at the end not only melts the cheese but also gives it a crispy top layer that’s irresistible.

Best Side Dishes for Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

Pairing sides with your Hamburger Green Bean Casserole can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread offers a crunchy texture that complements the casserole well.

2. Cauliflower Rice: Light and fluffy, it’s a fantastic low-carb alternative that pairs nicely with hearty casseroles.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts adds depth to your meal.

4. Steamed Asparagus: Quickly steamed asparagus adds bright color and freshness to balance the richness of the casserole.

5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a refreshing crunch and contrast to the warm casserole.

6. Zucchini Noodles: A fun, low-carb option that can serve as an excellent base beneath the casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a delicious Hamburger Green Bean Casserole, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef can lead to a lack of flavor. Always cook the beef until it’s nicely browned.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Aim for a tender-crisp texture for the best results.
• Neglecting cheese choices: Using low-quality cheese can affect the overall taste. Opt for fresh, high-quality Colby jack cheese for maximum flavor.
• Ignoring seasoning: Undersalting can dull your dish’s flavor profile. Taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking, especially before adding cheese.
• Using the wrong casserole dish: A dish that’s too small can lead to overflow while cooking. Ensure your casserole dish is large enough to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Allow the casserole to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2–3 months.
• Divide into portions for easier thawing and reheating later.

Reheating Hamburger Green Bean Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hamburger Green Bean Casserole.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole. It will result in a lighter dish.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients.

How can I customize my Hamburger Green Bean Casserole?

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or swap in different cheeses based on your preference.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight before baking it the next day.

What sides pair well with Hamburger Green Bean Casserole?

Serve with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal alongside your casserole.

Final Thoughts

This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is not only quick and easy but also versatile. You can customize it with various proteins and veggies to suit your tastes. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that fits many dietary needs!