Why You’ll Love Green Bean Casserole Recipe
This Green Bean Casserole combines creamy, savory flavors with an irresistible crispy topping. Using frozen green beans keeps the preparation simple while still giving the casserole a pleasant texture.
It takes only a few basic ingredients and requires very little hands-on preparation. Most of the cooking time happens in the oven, making it convenient when you’re preparing several dishes at once.
The crispy fried onions are mixed into the casserole as well as scattered over the top. This gives every serving plenty of onion flavor while keeping that classic crunchy finish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 cups frozen cut green beans
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt, plus more to taste
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions, divided
- Cheese, optional
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the frozen green beans and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Drain the beans well.
- Place the green beans in a large mixing bowl. Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, seasoned salt, and 1 cup of the crispy fried onions. Add cheese at this stage if you’re using it.
- Stir everything together until the green beans are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and gently stir. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the onions are crisp and golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Preparation time: About 10 minutes
Cooking time: About 40 minutes
Total time: Approximately 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Variations
Fresh green beans: Replace the frozen beans with fresh trimmed green beans. Boil them until tender-crisp before assembling the casserole. Avoid overcooking them because they will continue cooking in the oven.
Canned green beans: For an even quicker version, use well-drained canned green beans. Since they are already cooked, you can skip the boiling step and add them directly to the casserole mixture.
Cheesy green bean casserole: Stir shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture before baking. You can also sprinkle a little additional cheese on top before adding the final layer of crispy onions.
Extra mushroom flavor: Add sautéed sliced mushrooms to the casserole for more texture and a deeper mushroom flavor.
Garlic version: Stir a small amount of garlic powder or freshly minced garlic into the mushroom mixture.
Bacon variation: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the casserole before baking for an extra savory and smoky flavor.
Spicier casserole: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to give the creamy casserole a subtle kick.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Green Bean Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. You can also tightly cover the baking dish once the casserole has completely cooled.
For reheating in the oven, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and heat at 350°F until warmed through. Adding a small amount of fresh crispy fried onions near the end of reheating can help restore the crunchy topping.
Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave until hot. The microwave is convenient, although the fried onions will generally become softer.
If preparing the casserole ahead of time, assemble the creamy green bean mixture without the final crispy onion topping. Refrigerate it covered, then bake as directed and add the remaining onions toward the end of baking.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans for Green Bean Casserole?
Yes. Drain canned green beans thoroughly before adding them to the casserole. Because canned beans are already tender, there is no need to boil them before assembling the dish.
Can I make Green Bean Casserole with fresh green beans?
Yes. Trim and cut fresh green beans, then briefly boil them until tender-crisp. Drain them well before combining them with the remaining ingredients.
Do I need to thaw frozen green beans first?
No. The frozen green beans can be briefly boiled directly from frozen. Cooking them for just a few minutes gives them a tender-crisp texture before they go into the oven.
Why is my Green Bean Casserole watery?
Excess moisture usually comes from beans that weren’t drained thoroughly. After boiling the green beans, allow as much water as possible to drain away before mixing them with the mushroom soup.
Can I prepare Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole mixture and refrigerate it in the baking dish until you’re ready to cook it. For the crispiest result, wait to add the final fried onion topping until near the end of baking.
What cheese can I add to Green Bean Casserole?
Cheddar is a particularly good choice because its savory flavor complements the green beans and mushroom soup. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheddar blend can also work well.
How do I keep the fried onions crispy?
Add the final portion of crispy fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking rather than at the beginning. This gives them enough time to become hot and golden without absorbing too much moisture from the casserole.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Another condensed creamy soup, such as cream of chicken or cream of celery, can be used for a different flavor. Keep in mind that changing the soup will alter the classic mushroom flavor of the casserole.
How do I know when Green Bean Casserole is done?
The casserole should be thoroughly heated and bubbling around the edges. After adding the final onion topping, continue baking until the onions are golden and crisp.
What should I serve with Green Bean Casserole?
Green Bean Casserole pairs well with roasted turkey, chicken, ham, beef, mashed potatoes, stuffing, dinner rolls, and other traditional comfort-food side dishes. It works particularly well as part of a holiday dinner because it can be prepared with minimal hands-on cooking.
Conclusion
Green Bean Casserole is a simple, satisfying side dish that delivers plenty of comfort with very little preparation. Tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, savory seasonings, and crispy fried onions create a combination of flavors and textures that works beautifully for both everyday dinners and special occasions.
With options for frozen, fresh, or canned green beans and plenty of easy variations, this casserole can also be adapted to suit what you already have in your kitchen. Serve it warm from the oven with its golden onion topping for a classic side dish everyone can dig into.
Green Bean Casserole
A classic green bean casserole with creamy mushroom sauce, savory seasonings, and a crisp golden onion topping. An easy, comforting side dish for holidays or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen cut green beans (see notes for canned or fresh beans)
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt (more to taste)
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the frozen green beans and boil until tender-crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine the green beans, condensed mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, seasoned salt, and 1 cup of the crispy fried onions. Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and stir. Top with the remaining crispy fried onions and return to the oven for 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp.
Notes
- Canned or fresh green beans can be substituted for frozen green beans; drain canned beans well or blanch fresh beans until tender-crisp before assembling.
- Adjust the seasoned salt to taste.
- If desired, shredded cheese can be mixed into the casserole before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
