Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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Easy Green Bean Casserole: A Classic, Comforting Holiday Favorite

Nothing says Thanksgiving, Christmas, or family dinner quite like a rich, creamy, and crunchy Green Bean Casserole. This timeless classic combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions to create a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious.

Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast, a potluck, or just a cozy meal at home, this recipe is simple, quick, and guaranteed to please. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s easy to put together while still being packed with homemade goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Casserole

✔ Classic & Comforting – A holiday staple loved by all generations.
✔ Easy to Make – Only 5 simple ingredients, ready in under 30 minutes.
✔ Perfectly Creamy & Crunchy – A rich mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions make every bite satisfying.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it in advance to save time on busy holidays.
✔ Customizable – Add cheese, bacon, or fresh mushrooms for a personal touch!

The History of Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole was invented in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a Campbell’s test kitchen chef who wanted to create an easy, affordable, and delicious side dish using ingredients commonly found in American households. Since then, it has become a beloved holiday tradition, gracing millions of Thanksgiving and Christmas tables every year.

Ingredients for Easy Green Bean Casserole

This simple, tried-and-true recipe uses minimal ingredients while delivering maximum flavor.

Traditional Recipe:

  • 4 cups (about 2 cans) cut green beans, drained (fresh or frozen works too!)
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions (French’s or store-brand)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a cheesy twist)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for extra depth)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (for a bit of spice)
  • ¼ cup cooked bacon bits (for smoky flavor)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a warm, slightly smoky kick)

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
    • Cream of mushroom soup
    • Milk
    • Soy sauce (if using)
    • Garlic powder & black pepper (if adding)
  2. Stir until well blended.
  3. Fold in the drained green beans and half of the crispy fried onions.
  4. Mix well to coat everything evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

  1. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  2. Spread evenly with a spatula.
  3. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until bubbling and heated through.

Step 4: Add Crispy Topping & Finish

  1. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly on top.
  2. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy, crunchy casserole is the perfect side dish for:

  • Roast Turkey 🦃
  • Honey Glazed Ham 🍖
  • Mashed Potatoes & Gravy 🥔
  • Stuffing & Cranberry Sauce 🍞

Pair it with fresh dinner rolls or garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal!

Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole

✔ Use Fresh or Frozen Green Beans – Fresh beans give a firmer texture, while frozen ones work great for convenience.
✔ Blanch Fresh Green Beans – If using fresh beans, boil for 3-4 minutes, then drain to keep them tender-crisp.
✔ Don’t Overbake – The casserole should be creamy, not dry, so watch the baking time.
✔ Make It Extra Cheesy – Stir in ½ cup shredded cheese for added richness.
✔ For a Homemade Touch – Replace canned soup with a from-scratch mushroom sauce (see below).

How to Make Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup

For a from-scratch alternative to condensed soup:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup chopped mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk (or half-and-half)
  • ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Sauté onion and mushrooms for 5 minutes, until soft.
  3. Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1 minute.
  4. Slowly whisk in milk and broth, stirring constantly.
  5. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, until thickened.
  6. Use in place of canned soup in the recipe.

Delicious Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these fun twists:

1. Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

  • Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese into the mix.
  • Top with extra cheese before adding crispy onions.

2. Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole

  • Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic to the soup mixture.
  • Use Parmesan cheese instead of cheddar.

3. Vegan Green Bean Casserole

  • Use plant-based milk and vegan cream of mushroom soup.
  • Top with crispy fried onions or homemade breadcrumbs.

4. Bacon & Smoked Paprika Green Bean Casserole

  • Stir in ¼ cup crumbled bacon for a smoky touch.
  • Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for extra depth.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make-Ahead Instructions:

  • Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
  • When ready, bake as directed, adding 5 extra minutes.

Refrigeration:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in the microwave.

Freezing:

  • Assemble the casserole without the crispy onion topping.
  • Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake and add crispy onions before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole without cream of mushroom soup?

Yes! Use homemade mushroom sauce (recipe above) or substitute cream of chicken soup.

2. Can I use canned green beans?

Yes! Canned beans are convenient, but fresh or frozen have better texture.

3. What’s the best way to keep the onions crispy?

Add the fried onions at the very end and bake for only 5 minutes.

4. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and bake in a larger dish.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together rich, creamy flavors and crunchy textures in every bite. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a weeknight dinner, it’s a crowd-pleasing classic that’s simple, delicious, and always a hit.

So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy this classic dish today!

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