Quick Ground Beef and Green Bean Casserole

What Makes ground beef and green bean casserole So Special

Grant Logan

Ground Beef and Green Bean Casserole

This Ground Beef and Green Bean Casserole is a comforting, one-pan dinner layered with creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions a weeknight classic packed with nostalgic flavor and easy prep.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 375

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 10.5 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 14.5 oz cans green beans, drained
• 1 1/3 cups French fried onions

Equipment

• large skillet
• mixing spoon
• 2-quart baking dish
• oven
• measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Add the drained green beans and gently stir until evenly coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and top with French fried onions.
8. Return to oven and bake for 5 more minutes until topping is golden and crispy.

Notes

Use fresh or frozen green beans for a lower-sodium twist. Add shredded cheddar before baking for extra richness. Drain beef and beans well to prevent sogginess. You can also assemble the dish ahead and bake later. For gluten-free, use GF cream soup and onions.

Ingredients for ground beef and green bean casserole

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating a satisfying family favorite. You’ll likely have most of them in your pantry already!

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained
• 1 1/3 cups French fried onions

Cook Time for Your Easy One-Pan Dinner

This recipe truly lives up to its promise of being ready in under an hour. It’s the kind of meal that saves the day when time is short but a homemade dinner is non-negotiable.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

If you’re looking for other quick options, my Italian Ground Beef Pasta Casserole is another weeknight hero.

How to Make This Flavorful Ground Beef and Green Bean Casserole

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, bubbling casserole on the table in no time. It’s a wonderfully straightforward process.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s perfectly heated and ready to go when your mixture is assembled.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Aromatics

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat for a less greasy result.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Stir in the condensed soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper until everything is well combined. The soy sauce adds a wonderful depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Step 4: Add the Green Beans

Gently stir in the drained green beans until they are evenly coated with the savory beef and mushroom mixture.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.

Step 6: The First Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Add the Crispy Topping

Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top.

Step 8: Final Bake to Golden Perfection

Return the dish to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes, or until the fried onion topping is golden brown and irresistible.

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Every family has their own twist, and I encourage you to make this recipe your own! Here are a few ideas from my kitchen to yours.

• Flavor Swap: Try using cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor profile. For another creamy option, check out my Creamy Mushroom Ground Beef Casserole.
• Diet Tweak: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cream soup and ensure your fried onions are certified gluten-free.
• Prep Fix: You can brown the beef and onion mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready, just combine with the other ingredients and bake.
• Extra Cheesy: Stir a cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the beef mixture before baking for an extra indulgent touch, much like the cheesy goodness in this Loaded Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

While this is a comforting casserole, it’s lovely to know that it also offers some nutritional value. It’s all about balance and joy in eating.

Lean ground beef provides a good source of protein and iron, while the green beans contribute fiber and vitamins. This combination makes for a satisfying meal that truly fuels you. For those curious about the health aspects of a beef green beans dish, using lean beef and low-sodium soup are great starting points for a healthier plate. The American Heart Association offers wonderful resources on healthy eating that I often consult. If you enjoy balancing flavors and nutrition, my Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Rice Bake is another great option.

A Lighter Version of This Family Favorite

I often get asked, “Can I make this ground beef casserole healthier?” Absolutely! With a few simple swaps, you can create a lighter version that’s just as delicious.

Use 93% lean ground beef or even ground turkey. Swap the condensed soup for a homemade sauce using sautéed mushrooms, Greek yogurt, and a little whole wheat flour. Use low-sodium soy sauce and fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned. For more inspiration on lightening up classics, Eating Well has fantastic ideas. You might also enjoy the flavors in my BBQ Ground Beef and Potato Casserole, which can be adapted similarly.

Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets

Cooking for loved ones with specific dietary needs is an act of care. Here’s how you can adapt this recipe to suit various needs, all while keeping it flavorful.

For those managing sugar intake or focusing on glycemic control, this casserole is already a good option as it’s low in sugars, especially if you use a low-sodium cream soup. For a diabetic-friendly version, watch the sodium content by choosing no-salt-added green beans and low-sodium soup. Those on a low-carb diet can enjoy this as is, perhaps served over cauliflower rice. Always feel free to reach out to a healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized advice.

How to Serve ground beef and green bean casserole

This casserole is a complete meal in itself, but I love serving it with a simple side salad with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

It pairs beautifully with a simple glass of iced tea or a light red wine. It reminds me of Sunday dinners after church, where the table was full and conversation flowed. For another dinner masterpiece that serves a crowd, my Taco Lasagna is always a hit. The Food Network’s guide to pairing wine with food is a handy resource for those special occasions.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest recipes can have little pitfalls. Here’s how to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time.

The most common mistake is not draining the fat from the ground beef, which can make the final dish greasy. Another is overbaking the casserole after adding the French fried onions—they can go from golden to burnt very quickly! Also, be sure to drain your green beans well so you don’t add extra water to the sauce. For more tips on perfecting casseroles, my Ground Beef and Cornbread Casserole post has additional insights. Remember, cooking is a journey of little lessons that make us better in the kitchen.

How to Store ground beef and green bean casserole

This casserole stores wonderfully, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly or transferring portions to airtight containers.

It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place a portion in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave. The fried onions will lose their crunch, but the flavor will still be delightful. For more detailed guidance, the FoodSafety.gov storage charts are an excellent reference. If you love freezer-friendly meals, my Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is another great candidate for batch cooking.

Try This ground beef and green bean casserole Yourself

I truly hope this recipe brings as much warmth and comfort to your table as it has to mine over the years. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special and satisfying.

It’s more than just a quick dinner recipe; it’s a memory maker. If you enjoy this classic combination, I invite you to explore other favorites on the blog, like the Italian Ground Beef Pasta Casserole, the BBQ Ground Beef and Potato Casserole, or the ever-popular Taco Lasagna. For more on the components of a similar dish, you might find this article on what Mexican lasagna is made of interesting. Happy cooking, my dear friends!

Frequently Asked Questions for ground beef and green bean casserole