Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Welcome to an easy green bean casserole recipe that blends classic comfort with simple steps. This dish first became popular in mid-century American kitchens, and it has stayed on many family’s Thanksgiving menus ever since. People love it for its creamy sauce, tender green beans, and crunchy fried onion topping.

If you enjoy warm, hearty meals, you’ll love this recipe as written here. It offers a smooth texture, crowd-pleasing flavors, and a fun option for any dinner. You can make green bean casserole with fresh or frozen beans, so it fits every schedule.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will love this recipe for many reasons. First, it’s quick to assemble. You only need a few ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time before everything goes into a baking dish. Second, it fits any gathering, whether you’re hosting a large event or making a casual side dish for your family’s Thanksgiving feast. It also tastes delicious next to mashed potatoes or even a potato casserole if you like mixing comfort foods.

Plus, you can use canned green beans, fresh green beans, or frozen green beans, so there is plenty of flexibility. It all comes together with a creamy mushroom sauce that feels both homemade and simple. Friends often say, “I love this recipe,” because it brings a mix of crunchy texture and comforting warmth to the table.

Ingredients for green bean casserole recipe

Below is a clear list of everything you’ll need. Feel free to check your pantry before heading to the store, because many of these items are common pantry staples:

1. Green Beans: You can use canned or frozen, or go with fresh green beans. The recipe calls for about 1 pound if you want to use fresh green beans. You can also use canned green beans (two 14.5-ounce cans) or frozen green beans (16 ounces).
2. Cream of Mushroom Soup: One 10.5-ounce can is standard. Some people prefer homemade cream of mushroom soup. Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup is a popular choice if you like the original version.
3. Fried Onion: These add a crispy layer on top. Most brands sell these in canisters. You’ll need about 1 cup total.
4. Soy Sauce: Around 1 teaspoon. Worcestershire sauce is a fun option too, but soy sauce is a classic addition that boosts flavor.
5. Cream of Chicken Soup or Cream of Celery Soup (Optional): Some home cooks like to mix half cream of mushroom soup and half cream of chicken soup. Others use cream of celery for a different flavor. You can also use frozen cream of chicken soup if that’s what you have.
6. Cheddar Cheese (Optional): Shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup) can be sprinkled in if you like a cheesy finish.
7. Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste.
8. 2 Tablespoons of milk or water (Optional): Helps thin the sauce if you want a lighter consistency.

These ingredients come together to form a side dish that pairs well with many meals. You can adapt some items based on your pantry, so no worries if you want to use canned soup instead of the cream base listed above.

How to Make easy green bean casserole recipe

Here’s the simple method to prepare this crowd-pleasing dish. Follow each step, and you’ll end up with a hearty casserole that has a golden brown finish on top and a warm, creamy interior.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the casserole bake evenly.
2. Choose Your Beans: Gather either fresh green beans, frozen green beans, or canned green beans. If you use fresh green beans, rinse and trim the ends first. You can keep them whole or slice them into cut green beans that are about an inch long. If you use canned beans, be sure to drain the green beans before mixing. If you use frozen green beans, you can thaw them briefly or just increase baking time by a few minutes.
3. Blanch (If Using Fresh): If you’re using fresh or fresh or frozen beans, bring a pot of boiling water to the stove. Add a pinch of salt, then toss in the beans. Let them cook for about 3 minutes if you want a bright green color. This step helps create tender green beans without making them mushy. Drain after blanching.
4. Make the Base: In a large bowl, stir together your cream of mushroom soup, soy sauce, and a bit of pepper. If desired, you can also mix in a bit of cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different twist. Some folks like to use cream to make the dish richer, or try homemade cream of mushroom soup if you have extra time.
5. Combine Everything: Add green beans to your soup mixture. If you want extra flavor, toss in worcestershire sauce (about 1 teaspoon) or a sprinkle of cheese. You now have a creamy blend ready to go. This green bean mixture is the heart of the casserole.
6. Pick Your Dish: Lightly grease a casserole dish or a standard 9×13-inch pan. You can also use a 2-quart baking dish. Spoon in the mixture and spread it out evenly.
7. Add Crunch: Sprinkle half of your fried onion across the top. If you prefer more crunch, you can add some french fried onions or crispy fried onions. This layer is key for the taste. Some folks also like to use leftover fried onions for the topping.
8. First Bake: Put the dish in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally if you like. This step lets the flavors meld and the casserole get hot.
9. Add the Topping: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining fried onion on top so they stay crispy. You can add cheese here if you didn’t mix it in before.
10. Top and Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until the onions on top are golden brown. Now it’s ready to bake for its final few minutes.
11. Finish Up: Take out the casserole and let it cool for a few minutes. The final result should be a rich, creamy sauce with crispy onions on top.

You have just made an easy green bean casserole that showcases warm flavors and a crunchy surface. Feel free to taste-test a small scoop before serving. This step confirms that the beans are as tender as you like.

Serving and Storage Tips

1. Serving Suggestions:
   • Dish up this casserole with a sturdy spoon so every portion gets both beans and the crispy fried onions on top. It’s also a great side dish for roasts, grilled chicken, or even a fresh salad.
   • Pair it with mashed potatoes for a truly cozy meal. Another way is to serve it alongside a main course of baked fish or steak.
   • If you want to try something new, put some cheddar cheese over the top, then let it melt for a few minutes. This adds a gooey twist.
2. Storage:
   • If you have leftovers, cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. When you reheat, the onions may lose some crispiness, so add a few more on top.
   • You can also make ahead by assembling everything (except the final layer of onions) and placing it in the fridge. You can store a bean casserole ahead of time like this for about one day before you bake. It’s a handy option when you’re preparing a big holiday meal.
   • Many people try to make ahead so they can spread out their cooking schedule. If you choose to do that, wait until the casserole is hot near the end of baking before you add the fried onions on top.
   • The USDA provides comprehensive guidelines on Freezing and Food Safety, detailing best practices to ensure food quality and safety during freezing.
3. Reheating:
   • Warm your casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes. You can also do a quick reheat in the microwave, though the topping won’t be as crunchy.
   • To perk up the texture, add a few fresh or leftover french-fried onions right before serving.

Helpful Notes

• Classic vs. New Twists: Some families stick to the classic green bean casserole recipe that uses Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup and french fried onions. Others experiment by adding mushrooms, bacon pieces, or cheddar cheese for a custom flavor.
• Homemade Spin: A homemade green bean casserole can involve making homemade mushroom sauce from scratch. It might mean sautéing mushrooms in a skillet with onions, garlic, and butter. You’d then add flour, broth, and cream to form a thick sauce. This approach creates a green bean casserole from scratch, but it can take longer.
• Swapping Ingredients: The recipe is flexible. You can add red pepper flakes if you like heat. You could also add diced onion or chopped bell pepper. If you want to try other soups, you can do so. Some folks prefer to use frozen green beans if they want convenience. Others prefer to use canned beans for speed. If you want a fresher taste, use fresh green beans.
• Toppings to Explore: The usual topping is a layer of crispy fried onions. But crumbled crackers or toasted breadcrumbs also give a crunchy result. You can even toss in bacon bits for extra flavor.
• Why Soy Sauce?: A bit of soy sauce can balance the creamy mushroom flavor, adding a slightly salty, savory edge. The same effect can be achieved with Worcestershire sauce, so feel free to use whichever you have on hand.
• Working Ahead: To assemble the casserole in advance, mix your green bean mixture and place it in the pan. Cover tightly and keep it chilled. When it’s close to mealtime, uncover, add your fried onions, and bake as usual. If you want to make this green bean casserole in larger quantities, double or triple the recipe.
• Avoid Overcooking: If you cook green beans too long, they lose color and become soft. That’s why a brief blanch in boiling water, followed by baking, keeps the beans bright green.
• Extra Ideas: You could serve it at thanksgiving dinner as well as any ordinary evening meal. Some folks also create a second casserole with frozen or leftover veggies, like a casserole with frozen peas. This style of dish can be as flexible as you like.
• When Soup Is Unavailable: If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup handy, you can try condensed soup in other flavors. Use caution if you want to get the same taste. Many cooks say that the standard is to use condensed soup for the best results. You might also try soup instead of the cream with different seasonings. If you prefer not to rely on store-bought items, try a homemade cream of mushroom soup.

Final Thoughts

This easy green bean casserole recipe makes life simpler on busy days. It’s a warm side dish that fits well at your thanksgiving table or a casual weekday meal. The blend of crispy onion topping and creamy mushroom sauce creates a satisfying bite every time. By choosing fresh or frozen beans, you can customize the taste or the texture. Some cooks even toss in extra ingredients for an inventive twist.

Feel free to share your version with others. Thank you for sharing your feedback if you try it at home, especially if you plan to make this recipe again next season. The next time you want a comfortable, crowd-pleasing recipe, keep this dish in mind. It might just become the best green bean casserole recipe in your cookbook.

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Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Rebecca Blumer

Try our easy green bean casserole recipe for a quick, tasty side dish. Learn how to make this comforting classic a centerpiece of your meal today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients

  

Green Beans:

• 1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
• OR 2 cans (14.5 oz each) canned green beans (drained)
• OR 16 oz frozen green beans (thawed briefly)

Cream of Mushroom Soup:

• 1 can (10.5 oz)
• (Optional: Substitute half with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor)

Fried Onions:

• 1 cup crispy fried onions (divided)

Soy Sauce:

• 1 tsp (or use Worcestershire sauce as an alternative)

Cheddar Cheese (Optional):

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and Pepper:

• To taste

Milk or Water (Optional):

• 2 tbsp (to thin the sauce if desired)

Instructions

 

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Green Beans:

• Fresh: Rinse, trim, and cut into 1-inch pieces.
• Canned: Drain well.
• Frozen: Thaw briefly (or adjust baking time).

3. Blanch Fresh/Frozen Beans (Optional):

• Boil a pot of water with a pinch of salt. Add beans and cook for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

4. Make the Base:

• In a large bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, soy sauce, and a pinch of pepper. Optionally, mix in cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if using.

5. Combine Ingredients:

• Add the green beans to the soup mixture. For extra flavor, you may add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.

6. Assemble the Casserole:

• Lightly grease a casserole dish (9×13-inch pan or a 2-quart baking dish). Spoon the green bean mixture into the dish and spread evenly.

7. Add Fried Onions:

• Sprinkle half of the fried onions evenly over the top.

8. First Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally if desired.

9. Final Topping:

• Remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining fried onions (and extra cheese, if not mixed in earlier) on top.

10. Final Bake:

• Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

11. Cool and Serve:

• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Total Fat: ~10 g
• Saturated Fat: ~2 g
• Cholesterol: ~25 mg
• Sodium: ~550 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: ~15 g
• Dietary Fiber: ~3 g
• Sugars: ~4 g
• Protein: ~5 g

 

Disclaimer: The nutrition information provided is estimated based on automated calculations and should be viewed as an approximation. These values are offered as a helpful reference and may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate results, please consult your own nutritional data or preferred brand values.

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