If you’re looking for a comforting, classic dish that never fails to bring smiles to the dinner table, this Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe is your go-to. Perfectly creamy with just the right crunch on top, it combines tender green beans with savory mushroom soup and crispy fried onions into one heartwarming casserole that feels like a big, delicious hug. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight meal, this casserole strikes the perfect balance of ease and flavor that makes it a lasting favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients makes this dish so approachable without sacrificing taste. Each component plays a crucial role—from the vibrant green beans providing fresh texture to the creamy mushroom soup that ties everything together with its rich flavor.
- Green beans (4 cups, canned or frozen): Choose fresh-tasting green beans to keep the dish light and colorful.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The foundational creamy element that delivers that classic casserole taste.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Adds smoothness and helps blend all the flavors beautifully.
- Soy sauce (1 teaspoon, optional): A subtle umami boost for extra depth; you can skip it if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the ingredients to life.
- Crispy fried onions (1 cup plus extra for topping): The golden, crunchy topping that’s a must-have for that irresistible finish.
How to Make Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when your casserole is assembled. Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mix the Green Bean Filling
In a large bowl, combine the drained green beans with condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce if you’re using it. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in 1 cup of crispy fried onions to add that wonderful texture throughout the dish.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the green bean mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the edges are bubbling gently and the aroma is inviting.
Step 4: Add Extra Crunch and Finish Baking
Remove the casserole and sprinkle an additional layer of crispy fried onions on the top. Pop it back into the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the onions to turn golden brown and crispy, transforming this dish into a textural masterpiece.
Step 5: Let It Cool Slightly Before Serving
Give your casserole a few minutes to cool and set before serving. This step helps everything settle and makes those first spoonfuls even more satisfying.
How to Serve Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the crispy fried onions bring plenty of flair, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can elevate your casserole’s presentation and add a pop of color and subtle freshness.
Side Dishes
This Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe shines alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or your favorite protein. For a well-rounded meal, consider serving with mashed potatoes, warm dinner rolls, or a crisp autumn salad to complement the creamy richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions that look charming at any gathering. Alternatively, layer the casserole with caramelized onions or shredded cheese for a richer experience, tailoring the dish to your taste or occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. Your green bean casserole will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish and wrapping it tightly. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then follow the baking steps as usual. Keep in mind that the crispy onion topping is best added fresh after baking to maintain crunch.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You might want to add a little extra crispy fried onions on top before warming to keep that delightful crunch alive.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned or frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans work wonderfully. Just blanch them briefly in boiling water and cool before combining with the other ingredients to keep their bright color and crisp texture.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegan?
Yes, by swapping out the condensed cream of mushroom soup with a vegan alternative and using plant-based milk, you can create a delicious vegan-friendly version. Look for crispy fried onions that are free of animal products.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you want to bypass canned soup, you can make a simple homemade mushroom sauce using sautéed mushrooms, flour, vegetable broth, and a splash of plant-based or regular milk for creaminess.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows flavors to meld wonderfully, making your meal even easier on the day you serve it.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
For an ultra-crispy topping, add the fried onions to the casserole later in the baking process, and consider broiling for 1-2 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe is such an approachable way to bring warmth and comfort to any table without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Its creamy, crunchy magic has a way of becoming a beloved staple in your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch how quickly it disappears from your plate!
Print
Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Green Bean Casserole is a classic, comforting side dish featuring tender green beans in a creamy mushroom soup base, topped with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch. Perfect for family dinners or holiday meals, this straightforward recipe comes together quickly and bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Green Bean Casserole
- 4 cups canned or frozen green beans, drained (about 2 cans or 16 oz frozen)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the green beans. Fold in 1 cup of crispy fried onions carefully to maintain their texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake Initial Layer: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly around the edges, indicating it is heated through.
- Add Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle additional crispy fried onions evenly on top, and return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes. Bake until the onions are golden brown and crispy, adding a delicious crunchy topping.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly for a few minutes before serving warm to allow it to set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans as a substitution, blanching them beforehand for best results.
- For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk or add a splash of cream.
- Soy sauce is optional but adds a subtle depth of umami.
- Make sure to drain canned or thaw frozen green beans thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
- The crispy fried onions can be homemade or store-bought depending on convenience.
- This casserole pairs well with roasted meats or can be served as a vegetarian main with a side salad.
