Welcome to the ultimate green bean casserole recipe! This classic dish is a beloved staple, gracing holiday tables and family gatherings with its creamy texture and crispy onion topping. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect side for any home cook, especially beginners. This recipe offers a straightforward, foolproof method to create a delicious, comforting casserole that everyone will adore.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Casserole Recipe
You will adore this green bean casserole recipe for so many reasons. It boasts an incredibly quick 10-minute prep time, perfect for busy schedules. This recipe requires minimal, simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, delivering that familiar, comforting flavor every time. This casserole achieves ultimate comfort food status with its creamy base and crunchy topping. Plus, it’s wonderfully versatile for various dietary adjustments and preferences.
Ingredients
Gather your simple ingredients to create this delicious green bean casserole recipe:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup or Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup or Cream of Celery Soup
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 4 cups cooked cut green beans
- 1 1/3 cups French’s® French Fried Onions (amount divided in recipe steps below)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Notes & Substitutions
You have many options to tailor this casserole to your taste. For the cream of soup, feel free to use cream of celery soup or an unsalted cream of mushroom option. If you prefer, substitute the green beans with fresh blanched beans, thawed frozen beans, or canned cut beans. Any dairy or non-dairy milk works beautifully in place of 2% milk. You can swap soy sauce with Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos for a similar umami depth. For the topping, consider crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or homemade crispy onions.
Equipment
Preparing this easy casserole requires only a few basic kitchen items. You will need a 1.5-quart casserole dish to bake your delicious creation. A large mixing bowl helps you combine all the ingredients easily. Finally, standard measuring cups and spoons ensure precise ingredient amounts.
Instructions
Creating this comforting green bean casserole recipe is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect, bubbly dish every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and perfectly.
Step 2: Combine the Base
In a large mixing bowl, fold in the condensed soup, milk, and soy sauce. Next, stir in the cooked green beans until they are well coated. Add 2/3 cup of the French fried onions to the mixture. Season everything with salt and pepper to your taste, ensuring all ingredients are combined.
Step 3: Bake Initial Layer
Pour the entire green bean mixture into your prepared 1 1/2-quart oven-safe casserole dish. Place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.
Step 4: Add Final Topping
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Gently stir the baked mixture to distribute the warmth and flavors. Sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 5: Final Bake & Rest
Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. The onions should turn a lovely golden brown and become perfectly crispy. Remove from the oven and let the green bean casserole recipe rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the casserole to settle, making it easier to serve. Store any leftovers in an oven-safe dish for convenient reheating.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the perfect green bean casserole recipe with these helpful tips. To prevent soggy onions, ensure you bake the casserole long enough before adding the final topping. For an extra crispy topping, you can extend the final bake time by a minute or two, watching carefully. Always make sure your green beans are drained exceptionally well; excess moisture can thin the sauce. If using unsalted cream of soup, adjust the salt level carefully, tasting as you go. For fresh green beans, blanch them quickly before adding to maintain vibrant color and a tender-crisp texture. Avoid overmixing the casserole base to keep the green beans intact. If you prefer a thinner layer, use a larger casserole dish.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile green bean casserole recipe fits perfectly into many meal plans.
Serving Suggestions
This classic dish is an absolute must-have for traditional holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. It also makes a fantastic, easy everyday side dish throughout the year. The rich flavors pair wonderfully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or baked chicken.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for 3-4 days. You can also freeze a fully baked casserole for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s in an airtight, freezer-safe container. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover and bake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with your green bean casserole recipe:
- Cheesy: Stir in a half cup of shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese with the beans.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a kick.
- Toppings: Experiment with toasted slivered almonds, crispy bacon bits, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Vegetable: Replace green beans with blanched broccoli florets or mixed vegetables for a twist.
- Gourmet: Enhance the flavor with cooked pancetta, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh rosemary.
- Individual: Bake the casserole in small ramekins or muffin tins for charming single servings.
Nutrition Information
Enjoying this delicious green bean casserole recipe also means understanding its nutritional value. Please note that nutrition facts can vary based on specific ingredients and any substitutions you make. The information below is for one serving using Campbell’s® Condensed Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 231 | |
| Total Fat | 16 g | |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g | |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | |
| Cholesterol | 2 mg | |
| Sodium | 296 mg | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20 g | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g | |
| Sugar | 4 g | |
| Protein | 2 g | |
| Vitamin D | 1% | |
| Calcium | 4% | |
| Iron | 4% | |
| Potassium | 4% |
(Note: Nutrition values for Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup or Cream of Celery Soup will have slightly different sodium and protein content.)
FAQs
Can I prepare green bean casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without the final onion topping) a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then add the onions and bake when ready to serve.
What’s the best type of green beans to use?
Canned green beans are traditional and convenient for this green bean casserole recipe. You can also use blanched fresh green beans or thawed frozen green beans for a slightly different texture.
How do I make it dairy-free?How do I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup alternative and your favorite non-dairy milk. Ensure your French fried onions are also dairy-free.
Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free French fried onions. Double-check all ingredient labels for hidden gluten.
Why did my French fried onions get soft?
This often happens if you add them too early or bake the casserole for too long after adding them. Add them only for the last 5 minutes of baking for maximum crispiness.
Can I use a different creamed soup?
Yes, you can easily substitute cream of celery soup for cream of mushroom. Some people also enjoy cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
This classic green bean casserole recipe truly embodies the spirit of comforting, easy-to-make side dishes. Its timeless appeal lies in its rich, creamy texture and delightful crispy topping, perfect for any occasion. Lily Hanna’s mission is to make simple recipes for beginners, and this dish perfectly reflects that value. We encourage you to whip up this holiday favorite and experience the joy of a truly delicious, fuss-free meal. We’d love for you to share your experiences and favorite variations with us!
For more delicious and easy recipes to complement your holiday side dish, try our hearty Green Bean Casserole with Hamburger, savor the creamy goodness of Keto Green Bean Casserole, or add a cozy twist with a bowl of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.
👉 Follow me on Pinterest for comforting casseroles, festive fall recipes, and no-fuss meals that bring warmth and joy to every gathering.
Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- oven safe casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup or Cream of Celery Soup (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 4 cups cooked cut green beans
- 1 1/3 cups French Fried Onions
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine soup, milk, soy sauce, green beans, and 2/3 cup French fried onions in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish, then season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until bubbling. Stir, then top with the remaining 2/3 cup French fried onions.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes, until onions are golden brown. Let rest for a few minutes before serving, and store any leftovers in an oven-safe dish.
