Few dishes evoke the warmth and comfort of home quite like a classic green bean casserole. It’s a beloved staple, especially around the holidays, but truly perfect any time of year. This Easy Green Bean Casserole recipe brings together simple ingredients for a deliciously creamy, savory side dish that everyone will adore. Get ready for a taste of pure nostalgia!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Green Bean Casserole
You’ll find countless reasons to fall in love with this traditional green bean casserole recipe. It’s truly the ultimate comfort food, bringing smiles to every table.
- Quick & Easy: With just 4 main ingredients, prep time is minimal, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Nostalgic Flavors: It captures that classic, creamy, savory taste everyone remembers and craves.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is consistently a hit, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Side: It perfectly complements holiday roasts, weeknight dinners, or any potluck gathering.
- Beginner-Friendly: If you’re new to cooking, this simple recipe is a fantastic place to start.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple items to make your Easy Green Bean Casserole. This recipe focuses on classic convenience and taste.
- 3 (10.5 oz) cans Campbell’s® Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 3 (15.5 oz) cans cut green beans, drained
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 (6 oz) containers French’s Crispy Fried Onions, divided
Notes & Substitutions
For the green beans, canned is traditional and convenient for this recipe, but you can certainly use frozen cut green beans. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the mixture to prevent a watery casserole. If cream of mushroom soup isn’t your preference, feel free to substitute it with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor profile. For the milk, any type works well here; dairy milk (whole, 2%, or skim) or unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk are all great options.
Equipment
You won’t need much for this straightforward recipe!
- A 9×13-inch baking pan or casserole dish
- A large mixing bowl
- Non-stick cooking spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
Grandma’s Easy Green Bean Casserole is quick to assemble. Follow these simple steps for a perfect dish every time.
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan or casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set it aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cream of mushroom soup, the thoroughly drained green beans, and the milk. Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Add Crispy Onions (Part 1): Gently fold in one full container of the French’s Crispy Fried Onions into the green bean mixture. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
- Pour into Dish: Pour the entire green bean mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out with a spatula if needed to ensure an even layer.
- Top with More Onions: Sprinkle the remaining container of crispy fried onions generously over the top of the casserole. This creates that irresistible golden, crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sides are bubbling and the crispy fried onions on top are golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your delicious green bean casserole!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieve the perfect green bean casserole every time with these helpful tips.
- Crispy Onion Preference: If you love extra crunch, feel free to add even more crispy fried onions on top during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Soup Varieties: Experiment with different condensed soups like cream of celery or even a blend of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken for a unique flavor.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance (without the top layer of crispy onions). Cover and refrigerate, then add fresh onions and bake when ready.
- Halve the Recipe: For a smaller serving, simply halve all ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch baking dish for a slightly shorter time.
- Prevent Soupy Casserole: Always drain your canned green beans very well. For frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess water. The condensed soup provides enough thickness, so avoid adding extra liquid.
- Seasoning: The condensed soup and fried onions are quite salty, so taste before adding any extra salt. You can always add more at the table.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This versatile green bean bake pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, ham, chicken, or even a simple meatloaf for a cozy weeknight dinner! It’s a guaranteed hit!
Storage: Store any leftover Easy Green Bean Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave until warm. For a whole casserole, cover with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked casserole (without the top layer of crispy onions) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add fresh onions and bake as directed. Freezing a baked green bean casserole is not recommended, as the texture of the beans and onions can become mushy upon thawing.
Variations
- Bacon Lover’s: Stir in 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon with the green beans for a smoky flavor boost.
- Cheesy Delight: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of cheeses to the mixture before baking for a gooey, cheesy version.
- Panko Topping: For an extra crispy topping, mix 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole along with the fried onions.
Nutrition Information
Enjoying this classic dish is part of the fun! Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving for your information.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 558 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 44 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 39 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 5 mg |
| Sodium | 1168 mg |
| Potassium | 341 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Vitamin A | 774 IU |
| Vitamin C | 13 mg |
| Calcium | 56 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which green beans are best: frozen or canned?
Both work well, but canned green beans are traditional for this recipe and offer a softer texture. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
- Why is green bean casserole so popular?
The beloved green bean casserole, a dish many associate with holiday meals, was created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly at the Campbell Soup Company. Learn more about the history of green bean casserole.
It originated as a recipe by Campbell’s in the 1950s and quickly became a holiday classic due to its simplicity, affordability, and delicious comfort food appeal. It’s now a beloved tradition for many families.
- How to prevent a soupy casserole?
The key is to properly drain your green beans. The condensed cream of mushroom soup provides all the thickness you need, so avoid adding extra liquid.
Conclusion
This Easy Green Bean Casserole truly captures the essence of home cooking: simple, comforting, and incredibly delicious. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create this beloved classic with ease. We hope you’ll try this recipe and make it a cherished part of your family meals. Share your holiday meal memories with us!
Easy Green Bean Casserole: Grandma’s Classic Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13-inch baking pan or casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, drained green beans, milk, and one container of crispy fried onions; stir well.
- Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining crispy fried onions.
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the sides are lightly browned and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
