Imagine a dish that brings instant comfort and nostalgia to any table. This easy, creamy Classic Green Bean Casserole recipe does exactly that. It’s a timeless side, beloved for its traditional flavors and remarkable simplicity. Perfect for holiday feasts or a cozy family dinner, this dish promises a comforting experience with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Green Bean Casserole
You’ll adore this Classic Green Bean Casserole for its speed and versatility.
- Fast Prep: Get this casserole ready for the oven in just 5 minutes.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh, frozen, or canned green beans, depending on your preference.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the entire dish days in advance for stress-free meal planning.
- Serve Anytime: It’s ideal for holiday gatherings but also makes a fantastic weeknight side.
- Delicious: Enjoy a perfect blend of creamy texture, savory flavor, and crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for your perfect Classic Green Bean Casserole:
- 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)
Notes & Substitutions
- Green Beans: Frozen cut green beans work wonderfully. For fresh, trim and blanch 1 pound until tender-crisp. If using canned, drain three 14.5-ounce cans thoroughly before mixing.
- Soup: Cream of chicken or celery soup make great alternatives if you don’t prefer mushroom. Opt for a low-sodium version if you are mindful of salt intake.
- Crispy Fried Onions: French’s brand is classic for a reason; its distinctive crunch is essential. Don’t skimp on these for the best texture.
- Cheese: A ½ cup of shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese adds a delightful richness. Stir it in with the green beans for extra flavor.
- Garlic: Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder or one minced fresh garlic clove for an aromatic boost.
- Topping Variation: For an extra crispy topping, combine ½ cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle this over the casserole before adding the final layer of fried onions.
Equipment
You won’t need much to prepare this delightful green bean casserole. Gather a medium pot for blanching beans and a large mixing bowl. You will also need a 2-quart baking dish. This ensures proper cooking and presentation.
Instructions
Prepare your delightful Classic Green Bean Casserole with these simple, step-by-step directions.
- Preheat Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready when your casserole is assembled.
- Cook Green Beans: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the frozen green beans and boil them until they are tender-crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the green beans well.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained green beans with the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and seasoned salt. Stir everything together until it is well combined. If you are using cheese, stir it in now. Add 1 cup of crispy fried onions to the mixture and stir gently.
- Transfer to Dish: Transfer the entire mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Initial Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly around the edges. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
- Add Final Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven. Gently stir the mixture to redistribute the flavors. Top evenly with the remaining ½ cup of crispy fried onions.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crisp. This final step gives your green bean casserole that signature crunchy topping. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Classic Green Bean Casserole
Equipment
- medium pot
- large bowl
- 2-quart baking dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen cut green beans see notes for canned or fresh beans
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup 10.5 ounce
- 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
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Boil frozen green beans in salted water until tender-crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes, then drain.
- Combine green beans, soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, salt, 1 cup of crispy onions, and optional cheese in a large bowl, then transfer to a 2-quart baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Remove from oven, stir, then top with remaining onions and bake for another 10 minutes until golden.
Notes
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Prep-Ahead Perfection
Make-ahead Green Bean Casserole is a game changer for busy schedules. Prepare your casserole up to 48 hours in advance, following all steps except adding the final crispy onions. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate. Store the crispy onions separately at room temperature. Bring the chilled casserole to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Adjust the baking time by adding an extra 10-15 minutes if baking from cold.
Doubling the Recipe
To serve a larger crowd, easily double this Classic Green Bean Casserole recipe. Use a larger 9×13 inch baking dish for the increased volume. You will need to increase the baking time by approximately 10-15 minutes during the initial bake. Always ensure the center is bubbly hot and cooked through before adding the final onion topping.
Travel & Transport
Bake your casserole partially before traveling to your event. Cover it tightly with foil to keep it warm during transport. Finish baking at your destination until the onions are golden and the casserole is bubbly. This ensures a fresh, hot dish upon arrival.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting Classic Green Bean Casserole alongside your favorite holiday roast, like turkey or ham. It pairs wonderfully with classic meatloaf or roasted chicken for a weeknight dinner. For the best flavor and texture, serve it warm straight from the oven.
Storage & Reheating
Cool any leftover green bean casserole completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm portions in the microwave or place the entire dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze unbaked green bean casserole for future enjoyment. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, omitting the crispy onions. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time, then add the onions for the final bake.
Nutrition Information
This estimated nutrition information helps you understand the components of your delicious Classic Green Bean Casserole. Values can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 112 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 3 mg |
| Sodium | 475 mg |
| Potassium | 190 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Vitamin A | 409 IU |
| Vitamin C | 7 mg |
| Calcium | 41 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
FAQ
How long to cook Green Bean Casserole?
Bake the Classic Green Bean Casserole for 30-35 minutes initially, then an additional 10 minutes with the final topping. If baking from chilled, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the first baking stage.
Can you make Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to 48 hours in advance, but add the crispy onions just before the final bake. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.
Can you freeze Green Bean Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it unbaked. Assemble the casserole without the crispy onions, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.
Conclusion
This Classic Green Bean Casserole remains a beloved tradition for a reason. Its simple preparation, comforting flavors, and crowd-pleasing appeal make it an essential dish for any occasion.
First created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly at the Campbell Soup Company, the history of green bean casserole reveals its enduring popularity as an iconic Thanksgiving side dish.
We know you’ll love this easy green bean casserole recipe, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook. Give it a try this season and share your thoughts with us in the comments!
