Hamburger Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms Recipe
Introduction
This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms is a comforting and hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, fresh green beans, and a creamy mushroom sauce. Topped with melted Colby Jack cheese, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering.
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)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until no pink remains. Drain excess fat, reserving 1 tablespoon in the pan, and set the beef aside.
- Step 2: In the reserved fat, cook the diced onion for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 2 minutes until they begin to caramelize.
- Step 3: Stir in the green beans, minced garlic, and broth. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the beans turn bright green and are crisp-tender.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Blend in the sour cream to create a creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Stir gently to combine and coat everything evenly.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the mixture.
- Step 7: To melt the cheese, either place the skillet under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and bubbly, or cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, use 1 cup of Colby Jack cheese instead of 2 cups.
- Fresh green beans work best, but frozen are a convenient substitute—just thaw and drain well before cooking.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier twist and added protein.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the creamy texture intact.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the step before adding and melting the cheese. Refrigerate covered and add cheese just before reheating and serving.
What can I use instead of Colby Jack cheese?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mild mozzarella work well as substitutes, depending on your taste preference.
PrintHamburger Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms Recipe
This flavorful Hamburger Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms combines tender ground beef, vibrant green beans, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy cheese sauce topped with melted Colby Jack cheese. Perfect for a comforting, hearty meal that brings together a classic casserole with a savory twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main 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
Dairy & Seasonings
- 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)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks until no pink remains. Drain excess fat, reserving 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan. Remove beef from pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the reserved fat, add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté another 2 minutes until they begin to caramelize, enhancing their flavor.
- Add Beans & Seasonings: Stir in the trimmed green beans, minced garlic, and low-sodium broth. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the green beans turn a bright green color and are crisp-tender.
- Create Creamy Base: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth. Then blend in the sour cream to form a creamy sauce coating the vegetables.
- Combine & Season: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add sea salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Stir gently to combine and ensure everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce and seasonings.
- Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the surface of the mixture in the skillet.
- Melt & Serve: Option A (Broiler): Place the skillet under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Option B (Stovetop): Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese melts completely. Serve the casserole hot.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed frozen green beans depending on availability.
- For a lighter version, reduce the amount of Colby Jack cheese to 1 cup.
- Reserving some fat from the beef adds rich flavor when sautéing the onions and mushrooms.
- Make sure to not overcook the green beans; they should stay crisp-tender for best texture.
- This dish can be prepared in a cast-iron or other oven-safe skillet for broiler finishing.
Keywords: hamburger casserole, green bean casserole, mushroom casserole, ground beef recipe, creamy green beans, weeknight dinner
