Looking for a classic side dish that’s simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser? This Green Bean Casserole is exactly what you need! It’s rich, creamy, and packed with savory flavor, plus it’s topped with crispy fried onions that take it over the top. Seriously, if you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat. This dish pairs perfectly with almost anything whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a special holiday gathering. Let’s dive in and make something magical!
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Why You’ll Love Green Bean Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together—it’s about creating an unforgettable side that elevates your meal. Here’s why this Green Bean Casserole is a favorite:
Versatile: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or bringing something to a potluck, this casserole fits the bill. It’s easy to double for larger gatherings, making it a go-to for any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and simple ingredients, this casserole is affordable and doesn’t skimp on flavor. You don’t need to break the bank to create something delicious.
Quick and Easy: While it feels indulgent, the steps are straightforward and manageable, even for beginner cooks. You’ll have this dish prepped and ready in no time.
Crowd-Pleasing: No one can resist the creamy goodness of green beans paired with crispy onions. It’s one of those dishes everyone looks forward to at the dinner table.
Ingredients
This Green Bean Casserole uses a simple set of ingredients that come together to create something truly satisfying:
Green Beans: Fresh or frozen, green beans are the base of this casserole. Their mild flavor balances perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is what gives the casserole its signature creamy texture. It’s rich and comforting, providing the perfect sauce to coat the beans.
Milk: A splash of milk thins out the soup to the right consistency, making the casserole creamy but not too heavy.
Soy Sauce: A dash of soy sauce adds a touch of savory umami that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Cheddar Cheese: Optional, but a little shredded cheddar cheese sprinkled on top before baking can add a nice cheesy flavor and a bit of extra richness.
French Fried Onions: These crispy onions on top are essential! They provide that irresistible crunch and add a flavor boost that makes this casserole stand out.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make the best Green Bean Casserole ever? Follow these steps, and you’ll be digging in before you know it:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it hot and ready for the casserole to bake perfectly.
Prepare the Beans: If you’re using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for about 3-5 minutes, then drain and set aside. If you’re using frozen, just thaw them and drain well.
Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce. Stir until smooth. If you’re adding cheese, mix in the shredded cheddar at this point.
Combine Ingredients: In a casserole dish, layer the green beans and pour the soup mixture over them. Stir gently to coat the beans with the creamy sauce.
Top with Fried Onions: Sprinkle the French fried onions generously over the top of the casserole. This will give it that iconic crispy crunch.
Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. You can add a few more onions for extra crunch halfway through baking if you like.
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let the casserole sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish with your favorite mains!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole
This Green Bean Casserole is a perfect side dish for just about any meal. Here are some ideas to make your dinner complete:
Roast Chicken or Turkey: This casserole is a classic pairing with roast poultry, bringing balance to the richness of the meat.
Mashed Potatoes: Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal.
Dinner Rolls: Don’t forget the rolls! They’re perfect for soaking up any of that creamy sauce left on your plate.
Salad: A fresh, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the rich, creamy casserole and brighten up the meal.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you perfect your Green Bean Casserole:
Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add a little garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper to season the sauce to your taste.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and make sure your fried onions are gluten-free if needed.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain that crispy topping.
Double the Batch: This casserole freezes well, so consider making a double batch. You’ll be thankful for the easy meal on a busy day!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
A1: Yes! If you’re using fresh green beans, blanch them first in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then drain before adding to the casserole.
Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Q3: Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
A3: Yes, you can substitute with another type of cream soup like cream of chicken or cream of celery, depending on your preference.
Q4: Can I use different onions for the topping?
A4: If you don’t have French fried onions, you can use crispy fried shallots or even regular onions sautéed until crispy.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to preserve the texture.
Q6: Can I freeze Green Bean Casserole?
A6: Yes! After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warm.
Q7: How do I make the casserole more cheesy?
A7: You can add more cheese to the sauce or sprinkle additional cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy twist.
Q8: Can I make this casserole without soy sauce?
A8: Yes! You can leave out the soy sauce, or substitute with a little Worcestershire sauce or tamari for a different depth of flavor.
Q9: How do I make the casserole more crunchy?
A9: Add extra fried onions halfway through baking, or use crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for an even crunchier topping.
Q10: Can I use other vegetables in the casserole?
A10: You could add mushrooms, carrots, or even some corn to change things up a bit. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for any added veggies.
Conclusion
This Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate comfort food side dish that’s always a hit. With a rich and creamy base, topped with crunchy fried onions, it’s the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re making it for a holiday or a weeknight dinner, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try you’ll be hooked after the first bite!
Print
Green Bean Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy fried onions for the perfect crunch. Made with tender green beans and a rich mushroom sauce, this easy holiday side dish is great for Easter dinner or any family gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen cut green beans, thawed (see notes for fresh or canned)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt (or more to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- If using fresh or frozen green beans, boil them for a few minutes until tender-crisp (see notes).
- In a large bowl, mix the green beans, condensed soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, seasoned salt, and 1 cup of crispy onions. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer to a greased 2-quart baking dish (or 8×8-inch pan).
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, stir, and top with the remaining crispy onions.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until the topping is golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Using fresh green beans? Trim and cut them, then boil for 5 minutes before using.
- Using canned green beans? Drain well and add directly to the casserole.
- Make it cheesy: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture before baking.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole without the onions, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add onions just before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg