If any dish captures the heart of comfort food season, it’s the Green Bean Casserole Recipe. This classic brings together crisp-tender green beans, a creamy, savory sauce, and the irresistible crunch of golden fried onions in every forkful. Whether you’re prepping for a big family gathering or simply craving a nostalgic side, this casserole embodies everything we love about hearty, home-cooked meals and holiday tables alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Green Bean Casserole Recipe is just how few ingredients you need, and yet, each one is absolutely essential. Every element plays a delicious part, from the fresh snap of green beans to the velvety richness of the mushroom soup and the addictive salty crunch of those iconic onions!
- Fresh green beans (1 pound, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces or 2 cans cut green beans, drained): This forms the hearty, verdant backbone of the casserole. Choose fresh for more bite, or use canned for convenience.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): The creamy, umami-rich base that binds everything together with classic flavor.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Loosens the soup for perfect pourability and creates a luscious, silky sauce.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle aromatic depth without overpowering the veggies.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings just a touch of earthy, mild heat—don’t skip it!
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out all the flavors and ensures every bite is well-seasoned.
- French fried onions (1 1/3 cups, divided): The crunchy, golden crown that makes everyone ask for seconds: fold some in and save plenty for topping.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Get your oven going at 350°F (175°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly. If you’re using fresh green beans, make sure they’re washed, trimmed, and cut. If using canned green beans, draining them thoroughly prevents the casserole from turning watery.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk everything until smooth and cohesive—this become the rich, flavorful glue that holds the casserole together.
Step 3: Stir in the Green Beans and Onions
Fold in the green beans and 2/3 cup of the French fried onions. Gently mix to coat every piece with the savory sauce and scatter the onions throughout for that delicious crunchy surprise in every bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. This guarantees a gorgeous, mouthwatering bake and helps each portion set up just right.
Step 5: First Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. This gives the beans time to become tender and the sauce to bubble into creamy perfection.
Step 6: Stir and Top with Crunchy Onions
Remove the casserole from the oven and gently stir it up so everything cooks evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup French fried onions over the top—this is the moment where flavor turns into absolute joy.
Step 7: Final Bake
Pop the casserole back into the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, just until the onions are deeply golden and the whole dish is bubbling around the edges. Serve hot and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little fresh parsley for a bright pop of color, or add coarse black pepper to draw out the flavors. For a touch of luxury, a few shavings of parmesan can go a long way.
Side Dishes
This Green Bean Casserole Recipe plays beautifully with almost any main dish, especially roasted turkey, baked ham, or juicy chicken. Pair it with fluffy mashed potatoes or a tangy cranberry sauce to create a balanced, deeply satisfying holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the casserole in individual ramekins for dinner parties or potlucks—everyone gets their own crunchy-topped serving. You can also layer in sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon bits for a fun twist, or serve it in a cast iron skillet for rustic charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), cover the casserole tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll happily keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing that irresistible flavor and crunch.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the Green Bean Casserole Recipe up until the final baking step but don’t add the last layer of fried onions. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, bake straight from the freezer, adding the onions near the end so they crisp up beautifully.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, uncovered, until hot and bubbly—usually about 15–20 minutes. If the onions have softened, add a small handful more for supreme texture. For single servings, the microwave works, but the oven is best for restoring the crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh or canned?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them thoroughly before mixing into the casserole. Frozen green beans actually hold up well and provide a slightly firmer bite, which many people love.
How do I make this casserole creamier?
For extra creaminess, add 1/4 cup of sour cream to the soup mixture before folding in the green beans. It makes the sauce even richer and silkier, perfect for those who love indulgent casseroles.
What kind of dish should I use for baking?
A 9×9-inch baking dish is ideal for even cooking and nice, thick layers. If you don’t have one, any medium casserole dish will do—just keep an eye on baking times if your dish is larger or smaller.
Can I prepare the Green Bean Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the casserole (hold back the final layer of fried onions) and refrigerate it up to a day ahead. When it’s time to bake, add the onions and pop it in the oven as directed.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as written this Green Bean Casserole Recipe is vegetarian, provided your cream of mushroom soup and French fried onions don’t contain animal products. Always check the labels if you’re serving strict vegetarians.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical and nostalgic about the Green Bean Casserole Recipe, whether it’s gracing your Thanksgiving table or bringing coziness to a weeknight dinner. I hope you give this recipe a try and let it become a cherished favorite in your home, too!
Print
Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe is a must-have for holiday gatherings. Creamy and flavorful, with a crispy onion topping, it’s a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course.
Ingredients
For the Green Bean Casserole:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or 2 cans cut green beans, drained)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir in the green beans and 2/3 cup of the French fried onions.
- Bake the casserole: Transfer the mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and stir the casserole. Top with the remaining 2/3 cup of French fried onions. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the onions are golden and the casserole is bubbling.
- Serve: Serve hot.
Notes
- You can use frozen green beans instead of fresh or canned; just thaw and drain them first.
- For a creamier texture, add 1/4 cup sour cream to the soup mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
