👉BurgerBeans – Recipes on a Budget

Recipe: Burger and Beans

Description: Burger and Beans is a comforting, hearty dish that has been a family favorite for generations. A classic combination of savory ground beef, onions, garlic, and green beans, all brought together with creamy mushroom soup. It’s easy to make and versatile enough to serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 family-sized can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 can (about 1/2 cup) of milk
3 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained
Mashed potatoes or egg noodles, for serving

Instructions:

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Season: Sprinkle in the salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
Add the Soup and Milk: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and half a can of milk. Mix well until the soup is fully incorporated.
Add the Green Beans: Pour in the drained green beans, and gently stir to combine. Let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve: Spoon the burger and beans mixture over a bed of mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a satisfying meal.

Cooking Tips:

Use Lean Ground Beef: For a healthier version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies like carrots, peas, or corn to make it even more colorful and nutritious.
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of milk or add a tablespoon of flour to the beef mixture before adding the soup.
Adjust the Soup: If you don’t like cream of mushroom, you can swap it out with cream of chicken or another creamy soup of your choice.
Add Spice: Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to add some heat.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftover Burger and Beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the leftover mixture for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water if needed to bring back its creamy texture.

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Burger and Beans ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before serving.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup as a substitute.
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, but fresh green beans will need to be cooked first. You can steam or boil them before adding them to the dish.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a lighter option.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
What can I serve this with besides mashed potatoes or noodles?
It also pairs great with rice, bread, or even a simple side salad.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them before adding to the dish.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check your seasoning and noodle choices.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground beef with vegetarian crumbles or lentils to make it vegetarian.
How can I thicken the sauce?
You can thicken the sauce by adding a little flour or cornstarch, or just reduce the liquid a little longer on the stove.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
What type of mashed potatoes should I use?
You can use your favorite mashed potato recipe, whether it’s homemade or from a box.
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other beans like kidney beans or mixed beans.
What should I do if the sauce is too runny?
Simply let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken up, or add a spoonful of flour or cornstarch to help it set.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef and onions first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch for a crowd.
How do I prevent the ground beef from being greasy?
Drain any excess fat after browning the ground beef to keep the dish leaner.
Can I add cheese to this dish?
Absolutely! A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top can add a delicious, melty layer.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat as needed.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use lean ground meat, light cream of mushroom soup, and serve over steamed vegetables instead of mashed potatoes or noodles.

20 Best Tips to Make Burger and Beans Even Better:

Use a mixture of ground beef and pork for more flavor.
Add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Use fresh garlic and onions for a more vibrant flavor.
Season with Italian seasoning, or try some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a twist.
Add some Worcestershire sauce for a rich, savory boost.
Top with crispy fried onions for some extra crunch.
For a cheesy version, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese when the soup is added.
Try adding a splash of soy sauce to deepen the flavor.
Mix in some chopped spinach or kale for extra greens.
Serve with a side of crispy bread or garlic toast for dipping.
Use egg noodles for a more classic comfort-food texture.
Add a small amount of tomato paste for added richness.
If you like it extra creamy, add a splash of heavy cream.
Make it into a casserole by topping with mashed potatoes and baking it in the oven until golden.
Season with a dash of paprika or smoked paprika for extra depth.
For a tangy kick, add a small spoonful of Dijon mustard.
Top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving for extra freshness.
Use a cast-iron skillet for an even browning effect on the beef.
Add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a sweet-savory contrast.
Experiment with adding bacon for extra flavor and crunch.