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