Green Bean Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This green bean casserole is creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients. It’s the perfect balance of textures—tender beans, velvety sauce, and a crispy topping. Whether you make it for Thanksgiving or a simple Sunday supper, it’s a dish that pleases a crowd and comes together in under an hour.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh or frozen green beans (trimmed and cut)
• Cream of mushroom soup (or homemade equivalent)
• Milk
• Soy sauce (optional, for added depth)
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• French fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside. For frozen beans, thaw and drain.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder if using. Stir in the green beans and half of the fried onions.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top, and bake for another 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
7. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and total baking time is 30–35 minutes. Total time: approximately 45 minutes.

Variations

• Use homemade cream of mushroom soup for a richer flavor.
• Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bacon for extra depth.
• Mix in shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
• Make it vegan with dairy-free milk, plant-based soup, and fried onions.
• Try topping with crushed crackers or panko if you prefer a different crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. For best texture, reheat in the oven to preserve the crispy topping.

FAQs

Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole (without the final topping), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add the fried onions and bake just before serving.

Can I use canned green beans?

Yes, but they’ll be softer than fresh or frozen. Drain them well before using.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms.

How do I keep the onions crispy?

Add the fried onions during the last few minutes of baking to keep them from getting soggy.

Can I freeze green bean casserole?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

What kind of milk works best?

Whole milk or 2% is ideal for a creamy texture, but you can use plant-based milk for dairy-free versions.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, combine everything (except the topping) and cook on low for 3–4 hours. Add the onions just before serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soup and gluten-free fried onions to make it gluten-free.

How do I add more flavor?

Try adding Worcestershire sauce, sautéed garlic, or a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth.

Can I add protein to make it a main dish?

Yes, add diced cooked chicken, turkey, or ground beef to turn it into a full meal.

Conclusion

Green bean casserole is a timeless side dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia to any meal. Its creamy texture, savory flavor, and crisp topping make it a standout addition to any table. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday or a regular weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy and impress.

Green Bean Casserole

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Classic green bean casserole made with tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and a crispy fried onion topping. A comforting side dish perfect for holidays or family dinners.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed and cut
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp soy sauce (optional)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups French fried onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. If using fresh green beans, blanch for 5 minutes, then drain. If frozen, thaw and drain.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir in green beans and half the fried onions.
4. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
6. Top with remaining fried onions and bake for 5 more minutes until golden and crispy.
7. Serve warm.

Notes

• Fresh green beans give the best texture, but canned or frozen work too.
• Add sautéed mushrooms, bacon, or cheddar for variations.
• For a vegan version, use dairy-free soup, milk, and onions.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg