Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

There are some dishes that simply define comfort and tradition, and classic green bean casserole is undoubtedly one of them.

This beloved side dish has graced countless dinner tables, from weeknight family meals to festive holiday feasts, offering a creamy, savory counterpoint to any main course. Its enduring popularity lies in its simplicity and the heartwarming flavors it delivers with every spoonful.

This recipe brings you the timeless version of green bean casserole, focusing on ease and familiar taste. It’s designed to be straightforward, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve a perfectly bubbly and delicious result. Get ready to create a dish that evokes warmth and satisfaction, a true crowd-plepleaser that everyone will ask for again and again.

Classic Green Bean Casserole

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• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

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Description

This classic green bean casserole recipe is a beloved side dish, perfect for family meals or holiday feasts. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, featuring tender green beans in a creamy sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. This recipe delivers a comforting and satisfying dish that’s a true crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 (14.5 ounce) cans cut green beans, drained

1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 dash black pepper

1 (2.8 ounce) can crispy fried onions, divided

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Instructions

1. 1. Prepare your oven and baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C). Lightly grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

2. 2. Combine the base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cut green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined and the green beans are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

3. 3. Add the first layer of crispy onions: Stir in about two-thirds of the can of crispy fried onions into the green bean mixture. This incorporates the onion flavor and texture throughout the casserole, not just on top.

4. 4. Transfer to the baking dish: Pour the entire green bean mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure consistent cooking.

5. 5. Bake until bubbly: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is hot and bubbly around the edges, indicating it’s heated through.

6. 6. Add the final crispy topping: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the hot casserole.

7. 7. Return to oven for crisping: Place the casserole back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the fried onions on top are golden brown and extra crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

8. 8. Serve immediately: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and prevents burns from the hot filling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: side dish
• Method: baked
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: casserole, green bean, comfort food, holiday, easy, side dish, creamy, classic, vegetable, baked

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This classic green bean casserole recipe is a true gem for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly forgiving and simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a reliable and tasty side dish without a lot of fuss. It’s also a fantastic option for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any time you’re feeding a crowd, as it scales up easily and can be prepared in advance. Families adore this dish because it’s packed with familiar flavors and a comforting texture that appeals to almost everyone, even picky eaters. The creamy sauce and tender green beans, topped with crispy fried onions, create a delightful combination that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. It’s a dish that brings people together, evoking a sense of home and tradition with every bite.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this classic green bean casserole is a breeze, as most items are pantry staples or easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on readily available components to create a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. You don’t need any fancy equipment or exotic spices; just a few key ingredients come together to form this beloved comfort food.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 dash black pepper
• 1 (2.8 ounce) can crispy fried onions, divided

For simple substitutions, you can easily swap out the canned green beans for frozen green beans (thawed and drained) if you prefer, though the classic recipe typically uses canned for convenience. If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can also be used, though it will slightly alter the traditional flavor profile. For the milk, any type will work, from whole milk to a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, depending on your dietary preferences. The soy sauce adds a subtle umami depth; if you don’t have it, a pinch of Worcestershire sauce can offer a similar savory note.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

One of the best features of this classic green bean casserole is how quickly it comes together, making it an excellent choice when you’re short on time but still want a delicious homemade side.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

This efficient timeline means you can have a warm, bubbling casserole ready to serve in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or as a last-minute addition to a holiday spread.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Making this classic green bean casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly creamy and crispy dish every time.

1. Prepare your oven and baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
2. Combine the base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cut green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined and the green beans are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
3. Add the first layer of crispy onions: Stir in about two-thirds of the can of crispy fried onions into the green bean mixture. This incorporates the onion flavor and texture throughout the casserole, not just on top.
4. Transfer to the baking dish: Pour the entire green bean mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure consistent cooking.
5. Bake until bubbly: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is hot and bubbly around the edges, indicating it’s heated through.
6. Add the final crispy topping: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the hot casserole.
7. Return to oven for crisping: Place the casserole back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the fried onions on top are golden brown and extra crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
8. Serve immediately: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and prevents burns from the hot filling.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This classic green bean casserole is wonderfully versatile, allowing for easy adaptations to suit different tastes or occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can sometimes find crispy fried onions in different flavors like cheddar, which can add a fun element. You can also mix in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese with the green beans before baking for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

When serving, this casserole is a perfect companion to almost any main dish. It shines brightest alongside roasted chicken, baked ham, or a simple meatloaf for a comforting family dinner. For holiday buffets or larger gatherings, it pairs beautifully with turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. You can even serve it as a hearty vegetable side with grilled steaks or pork chops. If you want to elevate the presentation slightly, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes mixed into the sauce can provide a subtle kick.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even with a seemingly simple recipe like green bean casserole, a few common mistakes can impact the final result. Being aware of these can help you achieve perfection every time.

One frequent slip-up is not draining the green beans thoroughly enough. If your canned green beans retain too much liquid, it can make the casserole watery and dilute the creamy sauce. Always make sure to drain them well, perhaps even giving them a gentle pat with a paper towel if they seem excessively wet.

Another common issue is over-baking the casserole, especially after adding the final layer of crispy onions. While you want the onions to be golden and crisp, leaving them in too long can lead to them burning, which imparts a bitter taste. Keep a close eye on the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking; the onions can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly.

Not stirring enough of the crispy onions into the base mixture is another mistake. While the top layer is crucial for crunch, incorporating some onions into the casserole itself adds flavor and texture throughout. If you only put them on top, the middle of the casserole might feel a bit one-dimensional.

Finally, skimping on the seasoning can lead to a bland casserole. While the cream of mushroom soup provides a good base, the dash of black pepper and teaspoon of soy sauce are important for enhancing the overall flavor. Don’t be afraid to taste the mixture before baking (before adding raw onions) and adjust if you feel it needs a tiny bit more salt or pepper.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

Green bean casserole is a fantastic dish for making ahead or enjoying as leftovers, provided you store and reheat it properly to maintain its delicious texture.

To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. It’s important to cool it quickly to prevent bacterial growth.

For making it ahead, you have a couple of options. You can prepare the casserole mixture (green beans, soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, and two-thirds of the fried onions) and place it in your baking dish, covered tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed, adding the remaining crispy onions for the last 5 minutes.

Alternatively, you can bake the entire casserole, omitting the final topping of crispy fried onions. Let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the casserole in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, then add the fresh crispy fried onions and bake for the final 5 minutes until golden and crisp. This method ensures the

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.