Introduction

This Hamburger Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms is a hearty and comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, crisp green beans, and a creamy cheese topping. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying side at gatherings. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, this casserole comes together quickly on the stovetop or under the broiler.

The dish is a creamy green bean casserole served in a black cast iron skillet, showing three visible layers. The bottom layer consists of green beans and slices of mushrooms in a rich, creamy white sauce with visible texture from the mushrooms. The middle layer is melted golden-yellow cheese that stretches over the green beans and sauce unevenly. The top layer is a generous amount of crispy, golden-brown fried onions scattered over the cheese, adding a crunchy texture. Some green beans peek out from underneath, showing their bright green color contrasting with the creamy sauce and golden toppings. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 ground beef and cook about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains. Drain excess fat, leaving 1 tablespoon in the pan. Set the cooked beef aside.
Step 2: In the reserved fat, sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 2 more minutes until they begin to caramelize.
Step 3: Stir in green beans, minced garlic, and broth. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the beans turn bright green and are crisp-tender.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Blend in sour cream until the sauce is creamy.
Step 5: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Gently stir until evenly combined.
Step 6: Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top.
Step 7: To melt the cheese, either place the skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbly, or cover and cook on low heat for 3–4 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Reserve 1 tablespoon of beef fat during draining to deepen the flavor of the vegetables.
Keep the heat medium-low when adding sour cream and cream cheese to prevent curdling.
Use sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack instead of Colby Jack for a different cheese flavor.
Swap Worcestershire sauce with coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
For a lighter version, reduce the cheese to 1 cup.
Enjoy with a side salad or serve over cauliflower rice to make it a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a 350 °F oven until warmed through. If preparing ahead, complete through step 5, then cool, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before finishing with cheese and melting.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white baking dish filled with a green bean casserole, showing a thick layer of melted and golden-brown cheese on top with crispy browned bits. Underneath the cheese, visible layers include green beans mixed with sliced mushrooms coated in a creamy sauce. The casserole is being scooped up with a dark wooden spoon, lifting a portion that highlights the soft texture and mix of green, brown, and golden colors of the ingredients. The background shows a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this casserole?

Yes, thawed frozen green beans work well and save prep time. Just ensure they are drained and not overly wet before adding.

Is this casserole suitable for making ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dish through step 5, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then add the cheese and finish cooking when ready to serve.