Simple Green Bean Casserole Recipe That Wows Every Time

Green beans burst with flavor in this classic green bean casserole recipe that brings comfort to every dinner table.

Creamy, crispy, and packed with savory goodness, this dish combines fresh ingredients with traditional charm.

Crisp green beans meet a rich, velvety sauce that hugs each vegetable perfectly.

Crunchy fried onions add a delightful texture that makes every bite memorable.

The recipe comes together quickly, requiring minimal prep and delivering maximum satisfaction.

Simple ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing side that everyone will love.

You’ll want to make this again and again for family gatherings and weeknight meals.

Tips for Creamy Green Bean Casserole

• Coat your casserole dish thoroughly with cooking spray to ensure zero sticking and easy serving.
• Briefly boil fresh green beans for exactly 2 minutes to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
• Whisk cream of mushroom soup and milk slowly to eliminate lumps, creating a silky, even base for your casserole.
• Save half the crispy onions for topping to guarantee a delightful golden-brown crackly layer with maximum texture.
• Watch your casserole closely during the final minutes of cooking to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown edges.

New Twists for Green Bean Casserole

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap milk with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup for a lactose-free version that's equally creamy and satisfying.
• Vegetable Medley Mix: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful vegetable casserole with added texture.
• Low-Sodium Solution: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce salt content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure crispy onions are certified gluten-free, making this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Up Green Bean Casserole at the Table

• Festive Feast Companion: Pair this green bean casserole with roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a classic holiday meal that'll make everyone smile.
• Texture Temptation: Sprinkle extra crispy onions on top just before serving to add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall sensory experience.
• Veggie Variety Boost: Toss in some sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers during the mixing stage to introduce extra color and nutritional value to the dish.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer, adding a fresh layer of crispy onions to restore the original texture and warmth.

Storing Green Bean Casserole Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the casserole covered to maintain moisture and prevent odors from spreading in the fridge.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Green bean casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if using fresh crispy onions as topping.
• Preheat to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp up the onion topping.
• Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh or canned?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just thaw and drain them completely before mixing into the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

• Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a low-fat or homemade version, use reduced-fat milk, and choose low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on calories and sodium.

• What can I do if I don't have crispy onions?

You can make your own by thinly slicing onions, coating them in flour, and frying until golden, or use breadcrumbs as a crunchy alternative topping.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe Must-Trys

• Classic green bean casserole delivers pure homestyle magic with minimal kitchen effort.
• Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and weeknight dinners where everyone craves a delicious side dish.
• Seamlessly adapt between air fryer and traditional oven methods without compromising taste or texture.
• Swap ingredients, adjust seasonings, and make this recipe your own with simple ingredient modifications.

Ingredients to Gather for Green Bean Casserole

Main Ingredients:

Green Beans: Fresh green beans that provide the core vegetable base and main texture of the casserole.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy base that binds the casserole together and adds rich, savory flavor.

Crispy Onions: Crunchy topping that creates a delightful contrast in texture and adds a golden brown finish.

• Milk: Helps thin the soup and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a depth of umami flavor and enhances the overall taste profile.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole does not stick to the baking dish.

• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle spicy kick and helps season the casserole.

Equipment List for Green Bean Casserole Night

• 9×9 Casserole Dish: Essential for baking and holding the green bean mixture.
• Colander: Perfect for draining canned green beans or straining after blanching.
• Whisk: Key for blending cream of mushroom soup and milk smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Necessary for combining ingredients and creating the creamy sauce.
• Measuring Cup: Helps accurately measure the crispy onions and milk.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole doesn't stick to the dish.
• Cutting Board: Useful for preparing fresh green beans.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to trim and cut fresh green beans.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and transferring the mixture.

Green Bean Casserole Assembly Guide

Step 1: Prep the Cooking Vessel

Grab your 9×9 baking dish and give it a generous spray of cooking oil to ensure nothing sticks during the baking magic.

Step 2: Handle the Green Beans

If using fresh green beans, wash them thoroughly and trim the ends.

Quickly blanch in boiling water for a crisp-tender texture.

For canned beans, drain completely in a colander, shaking off excess liquid.

Step 3: Craft the Silky Sauce

In a mixing bowl, blend cream of mushroom soup and milk until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

Add a splash of soy sauce to elevate the flavor profile.

Step 4: Mix and Mingle Ingredients

Fold in your prepared green beans and a hearty portion of crispy onions.

Sprinkle in some freshly ground black pepper and stir until everything is beautifully incorporated.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared dish, ensuring a smooth top surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

• Cook at 350°F for 10 minutes
• Stir the casserole
• Top with remaining crispy onions
• Bake for an additional 2 minutes

• Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes
• Stir the casserole
• Sprinkle remaining crispy onions on top
• Bake for 5 more minutes until golden and bubbly

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Green bean casserole delights dinner guests with classic comfort and creamy texture. Crispy fried onions and rich mushroom sauce make this side dish irresistible for you at holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 4 cups green beans (choose from: 2 cans, one 16 ounces package frozen, or 1.5 pounds fresh)

Sauce and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Topping:

• 1 1/3 cups crispy French fried onions, divided

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Instructions

1. Prepare the 9×9 casserole dish by generously spraying with cooking spray to ensure easy food release.
2. Process green beans: for fresh, wash and trim, then blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes. If using canned, thoroughly drain in a colander.
3. Create a smooth sauce by whisking cream of mushroom soup with milk until completely integrated, then incorporate soy sauce for enhanced depth of flavor.
4. Fold prepared green beans into the creamy mixture, adding 2/3 of the crispy onions and seasoning with ground pepper. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Carefully transfer the bean mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading uniformly to create an even layer.
6. Cooking options: Air fryer method – bake at 350F for 10 minutes, stir contents, top with remaining onions, then cook additional 2 minutes. Conventional oven – bake at 350F for 25 minutes, stir, add remaining onions, and continue baking for 5 more minutes until golden and crispy on top.

Notes

• Customize Bean Texture Blanch fresh green beans briefly to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant green color, preventing them from becoming mushy during baking.
• Enhance Flavor Depth Add a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of fresh thyme to the creamy sauce for an unexpected, sophisticated taste that elevates the classic casserole.
• Dietary Adaptations Swap cream of mushroom soup with a homemade cashew cream or gluten-free alternative for dairy-free and vegan versions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting dish.
• Crispy Topping Trick Toast the onion topping separately in a skillet before adding to prevent sogginess and create an extra crunchy, golden-brown layer that adds irresistible texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg