There’s nothing cozier than a hearty casserole fresh out of the oven.
This cream cheese, beef green bean casserole is rich, creamy, and topped with a golden breadcrumb crust that makes every bite satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It combines ground beef, cream cheese, and green beans for a creamy yet hearty dinner.
The cheddar topping and crunchy breadcrumb crust add layers of flavor and texture.
It’s simple to assemble and bakes in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ground beef adds protein and richness.
Green beans provide freshness and balance.
Cream cheese creates a creamy base without heavy soups.
Cheddar cheese melts into a gooey, savory topping.
Breadcrumbs give a crunchy golden finish.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use fresh green beans for best texture; blanch briefly if you prefer softer beans.
Soften cream cheese ahead of time for easier mixing.
Toast breadcrumbs with a bit of butter for a richer crust.
Drain the beef well to prevent excess grease.
How to Make Cream Cheese, Beef Green Bean Casserole
Step 1 – Preheat oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2 – Cook beef and onions
Brown beef with onions in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes. Drain any fat.
Step 3 – Mix casserole base
In a large bowl, combine beef mixture, green beans, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir until smooth.
Step 4 – Assemble casserole
Spread mixture into the baking dish.
Top with cheddar cheese.
Step 5 – Add breadcrumb topping
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter or olive oil.
Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Step 6 – Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
What to Serve Them With
Serve with a crisp green salad for freshness.
Pair with mashed potatoes or rice for a heartier meal.
Enjoy with garlic bread for a comforting dinner.
Variations / Substitutions
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15 minutes or microwave for quick servings.
Freeze baked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, just thaw and drain them before mixing.
Do I need to cook the green beans first?
Not necessarily, but blanching them softens texture if preferred.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I keep the topping crunchy?
Add the breadcrumb topping right before baking.
Can I skip the breadcrumbs?
Yes, but the casserole will be softer without the crunchy layer.
What cheese works best besides cheddar?
Try mozzarella for stretchiness or Gruyère for a nutty flavor.
Can I add pasta to this recipe?
Yes, mix in cooked pasta to make it a full one-dish meal.
How do I prevent it from being greasy?
Be sure to drain the beef well before mixing.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check seasoning blends.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying out?
Cover with foil in the oven or add a splash of broth before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This cream cheese, beef green bean casserole is creamy, cheesy, and comforting with every bite.
It’s an easy weeknight dinner or a shareable dish for potlucks that always disappears quickly.
