Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

A timeless holiday staple, this classic green bean casserole brings warmth and comfort to any table. Created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly at the Campbell Soup Company, this iconic dish has become a beloved part of American holiday traditions. This beloved dish features tender green beans enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with crispy fried onions. It’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients and minimal prep, making it perfect for busy parents and beginners. Prepare to create a side dish that will be a cherished part of your family dinners and festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Casserole

This delicious green bean dish is a true crowd-pleaser, offering incredible convenience and classic flavor.

• Quick Prep Time: You can have this casserole ready for the oven in just 10 minutes.
• Versatile Beans: Use fresh, frozen, or canned green beans, adapting to what you have on hand.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it up to 48 hours in advance, then simply bake when needed.
• Adaptable for Any Meal: While a holiday favorite, this comforting side dish suits weeknight dinners too.
• Nostalgic Comfort: Every bite delivers that familiar, heartwarming taste everyone loves.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your perfect creamy green bean bake:

• 4 cups frozen cut green beans (see notes for canned or fresh beans)
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt (more to taste)
• 1½ cups crispy fried onions (divided)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)

Notes & Substitutions

You have choices when it to your green beans. For fresh green beans, trim the ends and boil them for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. If using canned green beans, drain them well before adding to the casserole.

Feel free to swap cream of mushroom soup with other condensed creamy soups, like cream of celery or cream of chicken, for a different flavor profile. Enhance your casserole with ½ cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses mixed in with the beans and sauce before baking. For a twist on the topping, try panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, crushed crackers, or homemade fried shallots. A pinch of garlic powder or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can also boost the savory depth of this classic green bean casserole.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy green bean casserole recipe.

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan or pot
• Whisk
• 2-quart baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Creating this comforting green bean casserole is incredibly straightforward, perfect for any home cook. Follow these steps for a delicious result.

Step 1: Preheat the oven.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready when your casserole is assembled.

Step 2: Prepare the green beans.
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the frozen green beans and boil them until they are tender-crisp, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the beans thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole. If using fresh beans, boil for 5-7 minutes. If using canned, drain them well.

Step 3: Whisk together the creamy sauce ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and seasoned salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and well-combined, creating a flavorful base for your casserole.

Step 4: Combine beans, sauce, part of onions, and cheese.
Add the drained green beans to the bowl with the creamy soup mixture. Stir in 1 cup of the crispy fried onions. If you are using cheese, fold in ½ cup of shredded cheddar or your preferred cheese at this stage. Mix everything gently until the green beans are evenly coated in the sauce. This ensures every bite of your green bean casserole is bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Transfer mixture to baking dish.
Pour the green bean mixture into your prepared 2-quart baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula so that it cooks uniformly.

Step 6: Bake uncovered until bubbly.
Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready for the next step when the sauce is hot and bubbly around the edges.

Step 7: Stir, add remaining onions.
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Give the mixture a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients. Then, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. This provides that essential crunchy topping.

Step 8: Bake until golden and crisp.
Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Continue baking until the crispy fried onions on top are golden brown and perfectly crisp. Your classic green bean casserole is now ready to serve!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve a perfect green bean casserole every time with these helpful tips.

• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the final topping of onions) up to 48 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add extra bake time when reheating.
• Crispy Onions: Always add the second batch of crispy onions for the final 10 minutes of baking. Adding them too early can make them soggy.
• Transporting: If bringing to a potluck, partially bake it at home, cover it tightly, and finish the final baking and onion topping at your destination.
• Avoid Soggy Casserole: Ensure your green beans are tender-crisp, not overly soft, before mixing. Thoroughly drain them to prevent excess moisture.
• Even Cooking: Spread the green bean mixture evenly in the baking dish for consistent heat distribution and doneness.
• Flavor Boosts: Taste the sauce before adding the beans and adjust seasonings. A pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavors.

Serving & Storage

This classic green bean casserole is a versatile dish, perfect for any occasion.

• Serving Suggestions: This creamy green bean dish pairs wonderfully with roast turkey, glazed ham, savory meatloaf, or even a simple roasted chicken. It’s also a fantastic addition to any holiday spread alongside mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.
• Leftovers: Store any leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or cover the dish with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. Add fresh crispy onions if you want to restore some crunch.
• Freezing Instructions: For future meals, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Following USDA guidelines for safe food handling is crucial to ensure food safety when storing and reheating leftovers.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this classic green bean casserole. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQ

Got questions about making the best green bean casserole? We have answers!

• How Long to Cook Green Bean Casserole?
  Bake your casserole uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until bubbly, then add the remaining onions and bake for another 10 minutes until golden. If baking from refrigerated, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the initial bake time.
• Can you Make Green Bean Casserole Ahead of Time?
  Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without the final onion topping) up to 48 hours in advance. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake, then add the onions for the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Can you Freeze Green Bean Casserole?
  Yes, you can freeze it. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months unbaked. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking, and add extra time as needed.

Conclusion

This classic green bean casserole remains a beloved staple for a reason: its comforting flavors and incredible ease. With simple steps and adaptable ingredients, you can effortlessly create a dish that feels both special and familiar. We encourage you to try this recipe for your next holiday gathering or family meal. Share your experience and let us know how much you loved this easy and delicious side dish in the comments below!