When you need a fast, filling, and family-approved dinner, this Quick Ground Beef Casserole with Green Beans hits all the marks. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, or simply looking for a wholesome, weeknight-friendly recipe.
Casseroles have long been the unsung heroes of home cooking — simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and a rewardingly flavorful result. This particular recipe combines savory ground beef, fresh green beans, and a rich, creamy sauce, all baked together under a blanket of melted cheese.
What makes this casserole truly stand out is how effortlessly it blends convenience with real comfort food satisfaction. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen — just a skillet, a baking dish, and a few pantry staples.
If you’re tired of making the same old ground beef dinners, this recipe is a refreshing change. It’s packed with protein, low in carbs, and flexible enough to adjust for your dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for one or a family of four, this is the kind of dish that makes everyone happy — and keeps you full without the carb crash later.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Quick Ground Beef Casserole with Green Beans
There are plenty of reasons this recipe is a regular rotation in my kitchen — and it’ll likely become one in yours too!
1. Quick and Easy Preparation
This casserole comes together in about 40 minutes from start to finish. With only one skillet and one baking dish required, cleanup is minimal — perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly
Made without pasta, rice, or breadcrumbs, it fits perfectly into low-carb and keto meal plans. You’ll still enjoy all the satisfaction of a hearty dinner without extra carbs.
3. Naturally Gluten-Free
With no flour or breading involved, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with sensitivities.
4. Family-Friendly Flavor
Even the pickiest eaters will love the creamy, cheesy texture and mild seasoning. It’s a great way to sneak in vegetables without complaints.
5. Budget-Friendly
Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and green beans keeps this meal cost-effective while still feeling indulgent.
6. Great for Meal Prep
It stores and reheats beautifully, so you can make it ahead for a few days’ worth of lunches or dinners.
If you’ve been looking for Lean and Green meals with ground beef, this one checks every box: simple, satisfying, and seriously delicious.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this ground beef casserole with green beans:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 85% lean for the best flavor balance)
- 2 cups green beans (fresh or frozen, trimmed and chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar adds great flavor)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Optional topping: ¼ cup crushed pork rinds or almond flour for crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break this recipe down step by step so it’s foolproof every time:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready once your casserole mixture is prepped.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Add Seasonings
Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well to coat the meat with the spices.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce heat to low. Add the cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until the cream cheese melts and everything is combined into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 6: Add Green Beans
Meanwhile, steam or boil your green beans for 3–4 minutes, just until tender-crisp. Drain and add them to the beef mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the entire mixture into a lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. If you’re adding a crunchy topping, now’s the time.
Step 8: Bake
Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
How to Serve Quick Ground Beef Casserole with Green Beans
This dish is versatile enough to serve in countless ways — whether you’re keeping it light or building a cozy, full meal.
For a classic low-carb approach, serve it as-is with a side of fresh greens. A crisp Caesar salad or spinach avocado salad complements the rich creaminess of the casserole beautifully.
If you’re not strictly keto, you can spoon the casserole over buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty dinner. Another great pairing is cauliflower rice, which soaks up all the flavorful sauce without adding carbs.
Hosting friends? Serve this casserole with roasted vegetables or garlic-parmesan broccoli for a crowd-pleasing spread.
You can also make this into a complete one-dish meal by mixing in extra veggies like mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or spinach before baking.
Whether you’re eating straight from the baking dish on a busy night or plating it up for Sunday dinner, this casserole feels both homey and satisfying.
How to Store Quick Ground Beef Casserole with Green Beans
Proper storage ensures your casserole stays delicious even after a few days.
Refrigerator Storage:
Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers. It will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezer Storage:
This recipe freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It will keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly again.
To avoid soggy texture, thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight before reheating.
This casserole is perfect for meal prep — portion out servings into containers for grab-and-go lunches all week.
Tips to Make Quick Ground Beef Casserole with Green Beans
1. Use Fresh Ingredients:
Fresh green beans offer the best bite and texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry before adding to prevent extra moisture.
2. Adjust the Fat Level:
For a leaner option, use ground turkey or ground chicken. For richer flavor, mix ground beef with ground pork.
3. Enhance the Flavor:
Add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for extra depth.
4. Boost the Texture:
Crushed pork rinds, almond flour, or even shredded Parmesan make a crispy, golden topping.
5. Add Heat:
Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
6. Make it Creamier:
Swap sour cream with cream of mushroom soup or heavy cream for a smoother texture.
7. Double It:
This recipe easily doubles for potlucks or family gatherings.
Variations of Quick Ground Beef Casserole with Green Beans
Casseroles are made for creativity! Here are some fun variations to keep things fresh:
1. Green Bean Beef Stroganoff
Add sliced mushrooms and extra sour cream to create a stroganoff-style casserole. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with green beans.
2. Mexican-Inspired Casserole
Mix in diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and pepper jack cheese. Top with avocado or salsa before serving for a zesty twist.
3. Gluten-Free Cheeseburger Casserole
Stir in diced pickles and a bit of mustard for a “cheeseburger in a bowl” flavor.
4. Italian Style
Layer with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Italian herbs for a comforting Italian bake.
5. Bacon Lover’s Casserole
Top with crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned green beans?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to drain them thoroughly since they’re softer than fresh beans. Reduce baking time by 5 minutes to prevent overcooking.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Is this recipe suitable for keto diets?
Absolutely — it’s naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives, and use vegan cheese.
5. How can I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a spoonful of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Ground Beef Casserole with Green Beans brings together everything we love about easy weeknight cooking — simplicity, flavor, and flexibility. It’s a perfect choice for anyone following keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets, but it’s also so comforting that even non-dieters will love it.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding your family, or just craving something cozy and cheesy, this casserole never disappoints.
Discover great ideas like:
Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.
Print
Quick Ground Beef Casserole with Green Beans
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Quick Ground Beef Casserole with Green Beans is a low-carb, keto-friendly dinner packed with rich, cheesy flavor. It combines savory ground beef, tender green beans, and a creamy sauce baked until golden and bubbly — ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Optional: ¼ cup crushed pork rinds or almond flour for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
4. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and remaining spices.
5. Add sour cream and cream cheese. Mix until creamy and well combined.
6. Steam or boil green beans for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp; drain and fold into the beef mixture.
7. Transfer to the baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle cheese on top, add optional topping.
8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh green beans for best texture.
Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezes well for up to 2 months — reheat at 350°F until warm.
Add mushrooms or diced bell peppers for extra veggies.
Crushed pork rinds make an excellent low-carb topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg