A Delicious Casserole Recipe That Everyone Will Love
Cooking can sometimes feel like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. When you make a comforting dish like Hamburger Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms, you’ll find that cooking can be enjoyable. This casserole is not only easy to prepare but it is also packed with flavor. With the combination of beef, green beans, and a creamy sauce, it is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole. First, it is a one-pan meal. This means you won’t have a lot of dishes to clean up afterward. Everything cooks in one skillet, making the preparation and cleanup simple.
This recipe is also versatile. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home. Not a fan of green beans? Use broccoli or another vegetable instead!
Additionally, this casserole is loaded with protein and nutrients. Ground beef gives you a good source of protein, and the green beans provide vitamins and minerals. The creamy sauce made with sour cream and cream cheese adds richness without being too heavy.
Furthermore, this casserole is also perfect for busy weeknights. You can prepare it in about 30 minutes, making it a great option when you are short on time. Plus, leftovers taste amazing, so you can enjoy it the next day, too!
How to Make Hamburger Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms
Making this casserole is simple and fun. Follow the steps below to create a delicious meal that your family will love.
Ingredients
To make this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 2 cups green beans (trimmed, fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup diced onion (yellow or white)
- 1 cup sliced button or baby bella mushrooms
- 3 tsp minced garlic (fresh)
- ¼ cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- ⅓ cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 Tbsp cream cheese (room temperature)
- ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ⅛ tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (use 1 cup for lighter version)
Directions
Begin by heating a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook the beef for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want to make sure there is no pink left. Once done, drain the beef but leave about 1 tablespoon of the fat in the pan. Set the cooked beef aside for later.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion to the reserved fat. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. After the onion softens, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for an additional 2 minutes. The mushrooms should be tender and fragrant.
Next, add the green beans, minced garlic, and broth into the skillet with the onion and mushrooms. Cook everything together for 2-3 minutes. The goal is to have the green beans bright green and crisp-tender, not overcooked.
Now it is time to make it creamy! Lower the heat to medium-low and add the room temperature cream cheese. Stir it in until it melts completely. Then, mix in the sour cream to create a rich and creamy sauce.
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add the sea salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Stir everything well until all ingredients are combined thoroughly.
Finally, sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top of the mixture. You have two options here: you can either broil it for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly or cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 3-4 minutes until the cheese fully melts.
Once done, serve hot and enjoy your delicious Hamburger Green Bean Casserole!
How to Serve Hamburger Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms
This casserole is a meal on its own, so you can serve it as is. However, it pairs nicely with a fresh side salad or warm crusty bread. The crispness of the salad complements the richness of the casserole. You could also consider serving it with some baked potatoes for a more filling meal.
For a more festive presentation, put the casserole in a large serving dish. This will allow everyone to serve themselves. Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Store Hamburger Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms
Storing leftovers from your Hamburger Green Bean Casserole is easy. Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature after cooking. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or bags. This way, you can pull out individual portions when needed. Frozen, it can last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Hamburger Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans and mushrooms will give the best flavor. If possible, choose fresh over frozen.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your dish as you prepare it. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
- Creaminess Levels: If you want a lighter version, feel free to use just one cup of shredded cheese instead of two.
- Add Spice: For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Variations
There are many ways to change up this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole to suit your taste. Here are a few options:
- Veggie Versions: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat to enjoy a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Different Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a new flavor profile.
- More Vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for more variety.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day earlier. Just assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply pop it into the oven and follow the baking instructions.
2. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based option if you prefer.
3. How can I make it gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it does not contain any bread or flour. Just double-check the labels on your broth and cheese to ensure they are gluten-free.
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’re just a few steps away from making a warm, comforting casserole. It’s a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy. So gather your ingredients and start cooking! Your family will thank you for this delightful dish.
Hamburger Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
- Cook the beef for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until there is no pink left. Drain the beef, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
- Set the cooked beef aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion to the reserved fat and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for an additional 2 minutes until tender.
- Add the green beans, minced garlic, and broth, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the green beans are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add the room temperature cream cheese, stirring until melted.
- Mix in the sour cream to create a creamy sauce.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir in the sea salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme until combined.
- Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the mixture.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes until bubbly, or cover and cook on low heat until cheese melts (3-4 minutes).