Classic Beef and Bean Casserole with Mashed Potato Topping
This heartwarming casserole is a cherished family recipe that has been lovingly handed down through generations. Featuring savory ground beef and tender green beans enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, it's a comforting one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The addition of creamy mashed potatoes on top creates a delightful contrast in texture and flavor, making each bite satisfying and delicious. Serve it up with a fresh salad for a well-rounded dinner that your loved ones will rave about!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
Condensed tomato soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (opened)
Cut green beans
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (drained, with half of the juice reserved)
Mashed potatoes
4 cups (prepared)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Dehydrated onion
1-2 tablespoons (to taste)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once browned, drain any excess grease.
3
In a casserole dish, preferably an oval Pyrex measuring 11X8.5X3 inches, pour in the can of condensed tomato soup.
4
Using the empty tomato soup can, pour in half of the green bean juice into the soup and mix well.
5
Drain the remaining green beans and add them to the casserole dish, followed by the dehydrated onion, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
6
To the soup mixture, add the drained ground beef, stirring until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
7
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and incorporate it into the mashed potatoes until smooth. This will add richness to the potatoes.
8
Spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef and bean mixture in the casserole dish, spreading them evenly but leaving a small gap around the edges to allow steam to escape and prevent bubbling over.
9
For a beautiful presentation, create peaks and swirls in the mashed potatoes using a fork.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and slightly crisp on top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Classic Beef and Bean Casserole?
It is a heartwarming family recipe featuring savory ground beef, green beans, and a rich tomato sauce topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of ground beef, which should be browned and drained.
What type of green beans are best for this casserole?
The recipe specifically uses two 14.5 ounce cans of cut green beans.
How much mashed potatoes do I need?
You will need 4 cups of prepared mashed potatoes for the topping.
Why is an egg added to the mashed potatoes?
An egg is beaten into the potatoes to add richness and help them brown beautifully in the oven.
What kind of soup is used for the sauce?
A 10.75 ounce can of condensed tomato soup is used as the base for the sauce.
Do I need to save the liquid from the green beans?
Yes, you should reserve half of the juice from one can of green beans to mix with the tomato soup.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
An oval Pyrex dish measuring approximately 11X8.5X3 inches is preferred.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
It should bake for 30 to 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
How do I prevent the casserole from bubbling over?
Leave a small gap around the edges when spreading the mashed potatoes to allow steam to escape.
What seasonings are used in this dish?
The recipe uses dehydrated onion, salt, and pepper to taste.
How can I make the topping look more professional?
Use a fork to create peaks and swirls in the mashed potatoes before baking.
Can I use fresh onions instead of dehydrated?
Yes, you can substitute fresh onions, though dehydrated onions are specified in the original family recipe.
Is this a good meal for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is designed as an easy one-dish meal perfect for busy schedules.
What should I serve with this casserole?
A fresh side salad is recommended to complement the hearty flavors of the beef and beans.
How do I prepare the ground beef?
Brown it in a large skillet over medium heat and drain any excess grease before adding it to the casserole.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
While the classic recipe uses beef, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative.
Is the tomato soup used undiluted?
The soup is mixed with half a can of the reserved green bean juice rather than water.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the mashed potato topping is golden brown and slightly crisp.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, as long as you prepare 4 cups of them before adding the egg and topping the dish.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It features a savory, saucy meat and bean base contrasted by a creamy and slightly crisp potato topping.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is a cherished family recipe intended to satisfy a group.
Can I add cheese to the topping?
While not in the original recipe, adding cheese to the potato topping is a popular variation.
How many green bean cans are required?
You will need two 14.5 ounce cans.
Do I mix the beef with the soup or layer it?
The browned beef is stirred into the soup and bean mixture until evenly incorporated.
What is the role of the dehydrated onion?
It provides a concentrated onion flavor that hydrates within the tomato sauce during baking.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
That depends on the specific brands of tomato soup and mashed potatoes used; check labels for gluten-containing thickeners.
Can this be made in a rectangular dish?
Yes, a standard rectangular baking dish will work if an oval Pyrex is unavailable.
Does this recipe require a lot of cleanup?
No, it is a simple one-dish meal requiring only a skillet for the beef and the casserole dish for baking.