If you are looking for a comforting, classic side dish that never fails to impress, this Green Bean Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a timeless blend of tender green beans swimming in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with irresistibly crispy fried onions. This dish balances fresh, savory, and crunchy elements so beautifully, it’s perfect for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or any time you want a little cozy indulgence on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Green Bean Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients, each adding a distinct layer of flavor and texture. From the tender green beans to the creamy mushroom soup and that signature crunchy onion topping, every component plays an essential role.
- Frozen cut green beans: Their crisp-tender bite provides a fresh vegetable base with ease and convenience.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: The source of rich, velvety creaminess and earthy mushroom goodness that holds the casserole together.
- Milk: Adds a smooth, luscious texture that lightens the soup without watering it down.
- Soy sauce: Just a splash introduces a subtle umami depth that elevates the flavors naturally.
- Black pepper: Brings a mild warmth and slight bite, balancing the creamy elements perfectly.
- Seasoned salt: Enhances the overall seasoning, making sure every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Crispy fried onions: Divided into two portions, they provide that golden, crunchy finish signature to this beloved casserole.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Starting with a hot oven is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to create that lovely bubbly bake and beautifully crisp topping later on.
Step 2: Cook the Green Beans
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and add the frozen green beans. Boil them for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until they’re tender crisp. This slight blanching keeps them vibrant in color and texture without getting mushy during baking.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the green beans with the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, seasoned salt, and 1 cup of crispy fried onions. Stir until everything is evenly coated and deliciously combined, creating that classic casserole base packed with flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. The casserole will bubble delightfully, melding the flavors and thickening the creamy sauce to the perfect consistency.
Step 5: Add the Final Crunch
Remove the casserole from the oven and give it a quick stir. Then sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions on top and pop it back into the oven for another 10 minutes. This step makes sure that iconic golden, crunchy layer develops and the dish finishes with a stunning textural contrast.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the crispy fried onions on top steal the show, adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives can brighten up the casserole’s appearance and lend a fresh pop of color and mild herbal flavor that complements the rich sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Green Bean Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or even a hearty roast beef. Consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or a crisp salad to balance the creamy richness of the casserole with lighter, fresh alternatives.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, try serving individual portions in ramekins topped with extra crispy fried onions for a personalized touch. Alternatively, layering some shredded cheese inside before baking adds a gooey surprise that’s irresistibly comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit as it rests, making leftovers just as delicious as the fresh bake.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking. Simply prepare it up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to one month. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes until warmed through. Add fresh crispy fried onions on top before serving to restore that signature crunch and elevate the reheated dish.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans work beautifully. Just trim and blanch them in boiling salted water for 4 to 5 minutes until tender crisp before assembling the casserole.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Green Bean Casserole Recipe?
Yes, you can swap out the cream of mushroom soup and milk for dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk-based cream soup and almond or oat milk to keep that creamy texture without dairy.
Can I make this casserole vegan?
Definitely! Use a plant-based mushroom soup, non-dairy milk, and opt for vegan crispy onions if available. The soy sauce helps with umami notes to keep the flavor rich and satisfying.
How can I make this casserole extra creamy?
Adding a little shredded cheese, such as sharp cheddar or Gruyere, to the mixture before baking can introduce an indulgent creaminess that melts into the casserole beautifully.
Why is my Green Bean Casserole soggy?
Overcooking the green beans or baking covered can cause sogginess. Blanch beans just until tender crisp and bake uncovered to allow moisture to evaporate, keeping the texture just right.
Final Thoughts
This Green Bean Casserole Recipe is pure comfort in a dish with the kind of warm, homey flavors and textures that bring people together around the table. Whether it’s for a festive feast or a simple family dinner, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and experience the joy of that perfectly creamy, crunchy, and deliciously familiar casserole for yourself!
Print
Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic Green Bean Casserole featuring tender green beans enveloped in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for a crunchy finish. This comforting side dish is perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Green Beans: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the frozen green beans and boil them for 2 to 3 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Drain well.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked green beans with the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, seasoned salt, and 1 cup of the crispy fried onions. Mix thoroughly to create an even coating.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the mixture is bubbly around the edges.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, stir gently, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup crispy fried onions evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- You can substitute the frozen green beans with canned or fresh green beans; if using canned, drain well and if fresh, blanch before using.
- Adding shredded cheese is optional and can be mixed in before baking for an extra creamy texture.
- Seasoned salt can be adjusted or omitted depending on your taste or dietary preferences.
- This recipe is a beloved traditional side dish especially popular during Thanksgiving and holiday meals.
