Seafood

Creamy Burger and Beans

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 family-sized can (22.6 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 can (about 5.6 oz) of milk (use the empty soup can to measure)
  • 3 cans (14.5 oz each) of green beans, drained
  • Mashed potatoes or egg noodles, for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Season the beef mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, and pour in the cream of mushroom soup and half a can of milk. Stir well to combine.
  5. Add the drained green beans to the skillet, stirring until they are evenly coated in the creamy beef mixture.
  6. Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  7. While the mixture is simmering, prepare your mashed potatoes or egg noodles according to package instructions.
  8. Serve the creamy burger and beans over a bed of mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
  9. Enjoy this comforting and hearty dish with your family! It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Here are some tips to make your Creamy Burger and Beans even more delightful:

  1. Enhance the Flavor: Consider adding Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for an extra depth of flavor.
  2. Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme over the dish before serving to add a pop of freshness and color.
  3. Customize the Beans: While green beans are traditional, you can experiment with other types of beans such as kidney beans, black beans, or mixed beans for added variety and nutrition.
  4. Caramelized Onions: For a sweeter and more intense onion flavor, caramelize the onions before adding them to the ground beef mixture. Cook them slowly over low heat until golden brown and caramelized.
  5. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle grated cheese such as cheddar or Parmesan over the creamy burger and beans before serving. The melted cheese adds richness and a delicious finishing touch.
  6. Seasoning Variations: Play around with different seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences. Smoked paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning can all add interesting flavor profiles to the dish.
  7. Fresh Garlic: Instead of minced garlic, try using roasted garlic for a milder and slightly sweet garlic flavor. Roast whole garlic bulbs in the oven until soft and caramelized, then squeeze the cloves into the ground beef mixture.
  8. Creamy Sauce Upgrade: Make your own homemade cream of mushroom soup for a fresher and more flavorful sauce. Simply sauté mushrooms with onions and garlic, then add flour and broth to create a creamy sauce.
  9. Vegetable Additions: Amp up the vegetable content by adding diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the ground beef mixture. This adds color, texture, and additional nutrients to the dish.
  10. Garnish with Crispy Onions: Top each serving with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for added crunch and texture. This also adds a nice visual appeal to the dish.

Here are some secrets to achieving the perfect Creamy Burger and Beans:

  1. Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the ground beef and mushrooms for the cream of mushroom soup. Fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor and overall quality of the dish.
  2. Proper Seasoning: Season the ground beef generously with salt and pepper while browning it. This will help to develop flavor from the beginning stages of cooking.
  3. Sautéed Aromatics: Take the time to properly sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. This will release their natural flavors and add depth to the dish.
  4. Slow Simmer: Allow the creamy burger and beans mixture to simmer over low heat for a longer period of time, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken, resulting in a richer and more flavorful dish.
  5. Thickening Agent: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the ground beef mixture before adding the cream of mushroom soup and milk. This will help to thicken the sauce as it simmers.
  6. Creamy Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk used to achieve your desired level of creaminess. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less milk; if you prefer a thinner sauce, use more milk.
  7. Seasoning Balance: Taste the dish as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
  8. Fresh Garnishes: Garnish each serving with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
  9. Serve Hot: Serve the creamy burger and beans over hot mashed potatoes or egg noodles to create a comforting and satisfying meal.

  10. Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop and the sauce to thicken slightly. This will ensure a more flavorful and cohesive dish.