Family Favorite Hamburger Casserole
A hearty family favorite featuring ground beef, green beans, hash browns, and a flavorful tomato sauce, baked to perfection with a crispy bread crumb topping. Perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Oil an 11 3/4 x 7 1/2-inch baking dish.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until softened.
- Push onions to one side of the skillet.
- Add ground beef and sauté until browned.
- Add green beans and cook and stir about 5 minutes until thawed.
- Add frozen hash brown potatoes to the skillet.
- Combine zesty tomato soup and water until well blended.
- Stir the tomato mixture into the skillet with the beef, vegetables, and potatoes.
- Add dried basil leaves, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with fine dry bread crumbs on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. If you don't have zesty tomato soup, you can blend regular tomato soup with a bit of hot sauce or Italian seasoning. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers or corn can also be added for extra flavor and nutrition. Make sure to thoroughly thaw the frozen green beans for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a comforting side, consider serving it with steamed broccoli or a classic coleslaw. It also makes a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings, and can be enjoyed alongside other family favorites like Pilgrim'S Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, ensuring they're heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Family Favorite Hamburger Casserole contains roughly 386 calories, with 9g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2194mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans or other vegetables like peas or carrots. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as fresh vegetables may require a slightly longer cooking time to become tender.
What can I use instead of Crisco oil?
You can substitute Crisco oil with any neutral cooking oil such as canola or vegetable oil. Olive oil can also work, but it will add a different flavor to the dish. Choose based on your taste preference.
Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of water to enhance the flavor, and ensure the tomato soup is vegetarian-friendly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).