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.