Looking for the ultimate comfort food for your dinner table? Green Bean Casserole has been a staple on many Thanksgiving tables and weeknight dinners for generations, and it’s clear why. This creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying side dish ticks all the boxes. Made with tender green beans, a velvety mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions, it pairs perfectly with just about any meal. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this recipe is a foolproof choice that your loved ones will devour!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Green Bean Casserole is one of those recipes you see at almost every holiday gathering in the U.S., especially Thanksgiving. Why? Probably because it’s simple, delicious, and loaded with the kind of comfort that warms your heart. Some might call it ‘grandma-approved,’ and honestly, they’re right! Made with tender green beans that are smothered in a creamy mushroom soup and topped with golden fried onions, this dish is the perfect marriage between crunchy and creamy.The origin of this dish? It actually became popular thanks to Campbell’s Soup Company in the 1950s. Legend has it, the recipe was created for busy home cooks looking for quick, crowd-pleasing sides. And, wow, did it take off. Since then, it has become a favorite at potlucks, family dinners, and—of course—Thanksgiving. Here at BellRecipes, we’re all about sharing recipes that bring back memories while helping you make new ones, so let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort food classic that’s easy to make
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have
- Perfect for holiday meals or weeknight dinners
- Rich, creamy, and crispy for the ultimate flavor combo
- A crowd pleaser for kids and adults alike
- Ready in under an hour
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Green Beans: Fresh, canned, or frozen—whatever fits your schedule! Fresh gives the best snap, but canned works in a pinch.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: The heart of the creamy base. If you need a dairy-free option, try making your own with almond milk and mushrooms.
- Milk: Adds extra creaminess to the dish. Sub with plant-based milk for dairy-free options.
- Soy Sauce: A splash adds a savory depth. Don’t skip it!
- Fried Onions: These crispy gems are the winner of the crunchy topping game. Gluten-free versions are available.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is going to get the casserole nice and bubbly!
- If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and set aside. Skip this if you’re using canned or frozen ones.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce until it’s smooth.
- Add the green beans to the creamy mixture and stir them in until everything is fully coated. Transfer this mix into a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle your glorious fried onions evenly over the top. This is where all the crunch magic happens.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole starts to bubble and the onions turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
Tip 1: Use fresh green beans for the best texture, but canned works great if you’re short on time.
Tip 2: Stir a little garlic powder or nutmeg into the creamy base for a secret flavor boost.
Tip 3: Keep an eye on the onions while baking—they can go from golden to ‘oops!’ pretty fast.
Variations and Customizations
Looking to experiment with your casserole? Try using a mix of green and yellow beans for a pop of color. Want it extra cheesy? Sprinkle some shredded cheddar on top before adding the fried onions. Need a healthier twist? Swap the condensed soup for a homemade cream sauce. For a touch of heat, mix in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Nutritional Information
Green Bean Casserole is fairly balanced, but keep in mind it’s a comfort dish! Each serving contains roughly 200 calories. It’s rich in fiber from the green beans and has about 10g of fat from the creamy base and fried onions. For a lower-fat version, consider using a light cream soup and healthier onion topping alternatives. It’s a fantastic side dish to round out any meal and doesn’t overwhelm with calories.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm and the onions are crispy again. In a rush? The microwave works too—just heat in short bursts so it doesn’t get too mushy!
Recipe Card of Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients list
- 2 cans cut green beans, drained (15 ounce each)
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounce)
- 0.75 cup milk
- 1 can French fried onions (2.8 ounce)
- salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Gather your ingredients and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium casserole dish, mix the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the fried onions.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
- Sprinkle the remaining onions on top and return to the oven for another 5 minutes. Finish with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just assemble everything except for the fried onions and store it covered in the fridge. Add the onions and bake when ready to serve.
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Of course! Blanch them first for 2-3 minutes so they’re tender and bright green before mixing them into the casserole.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Try making a homemade cream sauce with sautéed mushrooms, butter, flour, and milk. It’s super tasty and lets you control the flavors.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free fried onions and a gluten-free version of cream of mushroom soup. Both are pretty easy to find these days!
I just love how simple and comforting this Green Bean Casserole recipe is! The crispy fried onions on top are always the best part 😍. I might try adding some shredded cheese next time for an extra indulgent twist!