Few dishes capture the comforting spirit of a holiday meal quite like a classic Green Bean Casserole. It’s the dependable, crowd-pleasing side that feels like a warm hug in a dish. The magic lies in its simplicity a timeless combination of a creamy, savory sauce, tender green beans, and those irresistibly crunchy onions. This recipe celebrates that tradition, delivering the nostalgic flavor everyone craves without any unnecessary fuss.
You’re going to love this version because it’s practically foolproof and perfect for busy preparations. We’re sticking to the essentials to create a perfectly balanced dish that’s wonderfully creamy on the inside with that signature golden, crispy topping. This guide will walk you through making a rich, flavorful, and absolutely delicious Green Bean Casserole every single time.
Ingredients
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 (2.8-ounce) can French fried onions
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
How to Make Green Bean Casserole
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grab a 1.5-quart casserole dish.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a medium bowl, whisk the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Gently stir in the drained green beans, about half of the French fried onions, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mixing the onions into the base infuses the entire casserole with savory flavor.
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly
Next, pour the mixture into your casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the sauce is hot and bubbling around the edges.
Step 4: Add the Final Crunchy Topping
Carefully remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions over the top. Return it to the oven for 5 more minutes to get the topping golden brown and extra crispy. Let it stand for a few minutes before serving.
My Best Green Bean Casserole Tips
For the Creamiest Possible Sauce
For an exceptionally rich sauce that never turns watery, swap the regular milk for evaporated milk. Its lower water content creates a more stable, velvety texture that holds up beautifully.
Ensure Maximum Crunch
The key to perfect texture is to mix half the onions into the casserole and save the rest for the topping right at the end. This guarantees flavor throughout and a crunchy top.
A Note on Green Beans
While canned green beans are classic, fresh or frozen work well too. If using fresh, blanch them for 5 minutes first. If using frozen, thaw them and pat them very dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Variations of Green Bean Casserole
While the classic recipe is a star, it’s also easy to customize. For a cheesy twist, stir in a cup of shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère before baking. If you’re a mushroom aficionado, add 8 ounces of sautéed fresh mushrooms to deepen the earthy flavor. And for those who prefer to skip canned soup, a simple from-scratch cream sauce made with butter, flour, and milk is a fantastic alternative for your homemade Green Bean Casserole.
FAQs
Can I make this Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole (without the final onion topping) up to 48 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate it. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven to help re-crisp the onion topping for the best texture.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of celery or cream of chicken soup are great substitutes. You can also use the from-scratch sauce mentioned in the variations section.
Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned?
You can. Just be sure to prepare them properly first. Blanch fresh green beans for about 5 minutes, or thaw and thoroughly pat dry any frozen green beans before using.
Classic Green Bean Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Classic Green Bean Casserole. This timeless recipe features tender green beans enveloped in a rich and savory cream of mushroom sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. The real star is the generous topping of crispy, golden-brown French fried onions, which adds an irresistible crunch to every bite. Perfectly simple, wonderfully nostalgic, and foolproof to make, this dish is the quintessential side for any holiday feast or family dinner.
Ingredients
2 (15-ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup milk
1 (2.8-ounce) can French fried onions, divided
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish.
Mix the Casserole Base:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients:
Gently stir in the drained green beans and approximately half of the French fried onions. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Mixing some of the onions into the base ensures the entire dish is infused with their savory flavor.
First Bake:
Pour the green bean mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the sauce is hot and bubbling around the edges.
Add Topping and Final Bake:
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the onion topping is golden brown and crispy. Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Creamier Sauce:
For an extra rich and velvety sauce, substitute the regular milk with an equal amount of evaporated milk.
Using Fresh or Frozen Green Beans:
If you prefer, you can use fresh or frozen green beans. For fresh beans, trim and blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes before mixing. For frozen green beans, thaw them completely and pat them very dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before adding them to the sauce.
Make-Ahead Tip:
You can assemble the casserole (without the final onion topping) up to 48 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time. Add the final onion topping as directed in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Flavor Variations:
Feel free to customize! Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a cheesy version, add 8 ounces of sautéed fresh mushrooms for a deeper mushroom flavor, or mix in a teaspoon of soy sauce for a boost of umami.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6th of the casserole)
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 6
Keywords: Green Bean Casserole, Thanksgiving side dish, classic casserole, holiday recipe, easy side dish, cream of mushroom, French fried onions, comfort food, American cuisine
