Green bean casserole
With ground beef
If you enjoy our chicory casserole or leek casserole, chances are this green bean casserole with ground beef will earn a spot in your weekly rotation as well.
An easy oven baked dish packed with flavor, with everything in one pan. Well seasoned ground beef, fresh green beans, creamy cheese sauce, and a golden crust of melted cheese on top. Perfect for busy weeknights, since it comes together in just a few simple steps.
Healthy and easy: green beans
Green beans may not be the first ingredient that comes to mind for a casserole, but today they take center stage. They are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and folate, which support your immune system and energy levels. They also stay pleasantly firm after cooking, as long as you do not overcook them. Exactly what you want in a baked dish. Something with a bit of bite that does not disappear between the layers.
Seasoned beef and curry powder
At the heart of this casserole is the seasoned ground beef mixture with curry powder. The curry powder not only gives the dish its signature yellow color, but also adds a warm flavor that pairs beautifully with the green beans. We use ground beef, though a mix of beef and pork or even ground chicken works just as well. Cooking the beef briefly with shallot and spices allows the flavors to develop and creates a sturdy base for the rest of the dish.
Creamy cheese sauce in no time
What truly completes this casserole is the homemade cheese sauce. No boxed mixes, just a quick stir in a small saucepan and you are done. We start with a roux made from butter and flour, then gradually add milk until a smooth sauce forms. Shredded cheese, coarse mustard, curry powder, and a pinch of nutmeg finish it off. The sauce brings everything together and creates a creamy layer that gives the dish a little more substance.
Layering and baking
To keep things simple, we use ready to cook sliced potatoes. They only need to heat through in the oven and will absorb the flavors of the sauce and beef as they bake. Of course, you can also cook the potatoes yourself.
In a baking dish, build the casserole in layers. Start with the sliced potatoes, then add the seasoned beef and green beans, another layer of potatoes, and finally the cheese sauce. Top with a little extra shredded cheese for that crisp golden crust everyone wants to scoop up first.
After about 20 to 25 minutes in the oven, the casserole is golden brown and ready to serve. Perfect for a busy weeknight, but just as good on the weekend with a fresh salad on the side. One thing is certain, this green bean casserole with ground beef delivers both comfort and vegetables without sacrificing flavor.
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Green bean casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This green bean casserole with ground beef delivers both comfort and vegetables without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for a busy weeknight, but just as good on the weekend with a fresh salad on the side.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 lb ready to cook sliced potatoes
- 1 1/4 lb ground beef
- 14 oz fresh green beans
- 3 1/2 oz shredded cheddar, divided
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 shallot
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon coarse mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 to 400°F. Cook the green beans in boiling water for about 9 to 10 minutes, until tender but still slightly firm.
- Finely chop the shallot and mince the garlic. Sauté briefly in a little olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook for a few minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Season the beef with a generous pinch of salt and pepper and 2 tablespoons curry powder. Drain the green beans and add them to the pan. Stir well to combine.
- Meanwhile, make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the flour and stir to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 1 1/4 cup milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in 1 3/4 oz shredded cheese, the coarse mustard, 1 teaspoon curry powder, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. Keep whisking until you have a smooth cheese sauce.
- Grease a baking dish and spread half of the pre cooked sliced potatoes (or make them yourself) over the bottom.
- Spoon the beef and green bean mixture over the potatoes and top with the remaining sliced potatoes. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the dish and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Enjoy!
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
