Hamburger green beans tomato potato casserole: A Comfort Food Classic
When it comes to classic comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot of warm, savory casserole. This hearty recipe combines the satisfying flavors of Hamburger beans tomato potato to create a filling meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you grew up eating something similar or are discovering this casserole for the first time, you’re sure to appreciate how these humble ingredients come together to form a delicious, wholesome dish.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making this comforting casserole. Along the way, we’ll offer tips, variations, and internal links to related recipes and resources, such as how to make fluffy mashed potatoes and easy ground beef dinners. By the end, you’ll be ready to whip up this dish and make it your own.
Why This Hamburger beans tomato potato is a Family Favorite
This casserole is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The savory, browned hamburger pairs perfectly with the tender green beans and tangy tomato soup, while the creamy mashed potatoes on top add richness and balance. It’s a true one-dish meal, meaning you don’t have to worry about preparing multiple sides—though we’ll also suggest some complementary dishes in case you want to go all out.
Beyond its delicious flavor, there are several reasons this dish has stood the test of time:
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
The ingredients for this casserole are pantry staples. You might already have everything you need to make it right now! Ground beef, green beans, tomato soup, and potatoes are ingredients most home cooks keep on hand, making this recipe both convenient and budget-friendly. If you enjoy making classic, comforting dishes with minimal fuss, you’ll also love our collection of family-friendly casseroles that are just as easy to prepare.
Hearty and Nutritious
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, making it a wholesome meal that satisfies. The hamburger provides protein, while the green beans add fiber and vitamins. The creamy mashed potatoes, a comforting staple, are the finishing touch, providing a good source of carbs for energy. For more nutritious dinner ideas that use similar ingredients, check out our easy ground beef dinner ideas that are sure to please the whole family.
Versatility
This casserole is highly adaptable. Don’t have green beans? Swap them for corn or peas. Want to make it a bit lighter? Use ground turkey instead of beef. The mashed potato topping can be adjusted based on personal preferences—whether you like them buttery, cheesy, or whipped with sour cream. If you love making dishes that can be customized, our guide to mashed potato variations has some great tips for achieving the perfect potato texture and flavor.
Ingredients Needed for This Casserole
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make your casserole:
- 1 lb ground hamburger (or turkey, for a lighter option)
- ¼ cup white onion, diced finely
- 1 tsp minced garlic for added flavor
- 1 (10.75 oz) can tomato soup, undiluted
- 1 (14.5 oz) can cut green beans, drained (feel free to use fresh or frozen if preferred)
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (either instant or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For those who enjoy meal prepping, you might appreciate how easy this casserole is to make ahead and reheat. If you want to learn more about making meals in advance, head over to our freezer-friendly meal ideas, where you’ll find more make-ahead dinner options.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Brown the Hamburger
Start by browning the ground hamburger in a skillet over medium heat. As the hamburger cooks, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are softened and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This step is key to building the flavor base of the casserole, so make sure to let the meat brown fully.
For those who prefer a lower-fat alternative, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. Ground turkey in particular works well as a healthier option and still provides plenty of flavor. Check out our healthy ground turkey recipes for more inspiration on how to incorporate lean meats into your meals.
2. Combine the Casserole Base
Once the hamburger is cooked through, drain any excess grease and transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the can of undiluted tomato soup and the drained green beans. Stir everything together until well combined. The tomato soup adds a slightly tangy and savory base to the casserole, while the green beans bring a pop of color and freshness.
If you prefer using fresh ingredients, feel free to substitute canned green beans with freshly steamed ones. You can also swap in other vegetables, like peas or corn, to change things up. Explore more ways to customize your Hamburger beans tomato potato with our plant-based casserole options for ideas on incorporating more vegetables into your meals.
3. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Now it’s time to prepare your mashed potatoes. You can use instant mashed potatoes for convenience, or make them from scratch if you have a bit more time. Homemade mashed potatoes always bring more flavor and creaminess to the dish, especially if you add butter, cream, or sour cream.
For a cheesy twist, consider mixing shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes or sprinkling cheese on top of the casserole before baking. This cheesy variation is always a hit! To learn more about how to make perfectly creamy mashed potatoes, visit our guide to the best mashed potato techniques.
4. Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread the hamburger mixture evenly across the bottom. Then, spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, spreading them out to form an even layer. The mashed potatoes will create a creamy, delicious top crust as they bake.
Want to get more creative with your toppings? Some cooks like to add breadcrumbs or crispy onions to the top for added texture. For a cheesy finish, sprinkle a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top of the mashed potatoes before baking. You can even experiment with adding a thin layer of gravy between the hamburger and mashed potatoes for extra moisture. Find more ideas on creating flavorful casserole layers in our cheesy mashed potato casserole recipe.
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and slightly crispy on top. If you like a crunchy top, consider placing the dish under the broiler for the last 5 minutes of baking to achieve a golden-brown crust.
Once the casserole is fully baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve clean portions. If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this casserole tastes just as good the next day and is perfect for reheating. For more tips on reheating and storing leftovers, check out our guide to meal prep and freezer meals.
Recipe Tips and Variations
This Hamburger beans tomato potato is highly adaptable to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Below are a few variations and tips to help you customize the dish to your liking.
1. Use Fresh Vegetables
While canned green beans are convenient, using fresh or frozen green beans adds extra flavor and texture. Fresh green beans retain more of their natural crunch, while frozen green beans are a great option for those looking to use what’s on hand. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also try making your own homemade tomato soup for a more robust flavor.
2. Add a Cheesy Twist
Cheese makes everything better, right? For an extra layer of creaminess, try adding a layer of shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top of the mashed potatoes before baking. You could even mix the cheese directly into the mashed potatoes for a richer texture. For more cheesy casserole recipes, take a look at our best cheesy comfort foods.
3. Make it Healthier
If you’re looking to lighten up this recipe, consider using ground turkey instead of beef, or try adding extra vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn for a nutrient boost. For more tips on making your casseroles healthier, visit
our guide to nutritious casserole dishes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a meal in itself, but if you want to round out the meal, there are plenty of side dishes that pair perfectly with its rich, savory flavors. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Crisp Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the casserole. Add a few slices of avocado or cucumber for extra crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots or broccoli are great options for a healthy, complementary side.
- Garlic Bread: For carb lovers, serve the casserole with a side of buttery garlic bread or soft dinner rolls.
Looking for more ideas on what to serve with your casseroles? Check out our best side dishes for casseroles for inspiration.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general overview of the nutritional content for one serving of this dish, based on 4-6 servings:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
For those looking to make this dish even lighter, consider swapping the ground beef for turkey or adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
Conclusion
This Hamburger beans tomato potato casserole is the epitome of comfort food. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. The combination of hearty ground beef, savory green beans, tangy tomato soup, and creamy mashed potatoes will leave everyone at the table satisfied.
For more casserole inspiration, don’t forget to check out our classic comfort food collection, where you’ll find plenty of cozy, heartwarming dishes to add to your meal rotation.
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