This Green Bean Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that everyone loves. It’s made with fresh green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions on top.
This dish is perfect for holidays or family dinners. I always find myself sneaking a spoonful before serving—it’s just that good! 😋
I enjoy how easy it is to throw together. Just mix, bake, and watch it disappear from the table—no leftovers here!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are ideal for a crisp texture. However, canned green beans work in a pinch. Be sure to drain the canned variety well to avoid extra moisture in your casserole. I love using fresh beans for that crunch!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is a classic for creaminess. If you want to keep it healthier, look for low-fat versions or make your own from scratch. Another option is to use cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
Milk: Regular milk works great, but you can substitute it with almond milk or any other plant-based milk if you’re lactose intolerant or want a dairy-free option.
French Fried Onions: These add a delicious crunch on top! If you want a homemade touch, you can make your own crispy onion strings using thinly sliced onions and a batter. A simpler alternative is to use crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Texture for Green Beans?
The texture of the green beans is crucial to a great casserole. If using fresh beans, blanching them briefly in boiling water helps maintain a firm bite. This prevents them from getting mushy during baking.
- Bring a pot of water to boil and add the trimmed green beans.
- Blanch for 3-4 minutes, just enough to soften them slightly.
- Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
This technique keeps the beans bright and crunchy while ensuring they blend well with the creamy filling. Enjoy the contrast in texture!
Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Casserole:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces (or 2 cans of green beans, drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce (optional, for added umami)
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions (divided)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Green Bean Casserole requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes of baking, for a total of around 50 minutes. You’ll spend a few minutes cooking and mixing ingredients, then simply let the oven work its magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and comes out warm and bubbly.
2. Prepare the Green Beans:
If you’re using fresh green beans, bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the beans for about 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender. This helps keep them green and crunchy! Once done, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop further cooking. If you’re using canned green beans, simply drain them well.
3. Make the Creamy Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and the soy sauce if you like a bit of extra flavor. Stir it all together until well blended. Then, add in half of the French fried onions and mix them in gently.
4. Combine with Green Beans:
Add your prepared green beans to the creamy mixture and fold them in carefully to coat each bean without breaking them.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into a baking dish, about 1.5 to 2 quarts in size, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes. This will warm everything through and help flavors meld together.
7. Add French Fried Onions:
After 25 minutes, take the casserole out of the oven. Give it a gentle stir, then sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly on top. This will give your casserole a delicious crunch!
8. Final Baking:
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. You want the onions to turn golden brown and crispy!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish with your favorite roasted meats or at your holiday gatherings!
This Green Bean Casserole is not only simple to make but also a family favorite that brings smiles to every table!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes! You can use frozen green beans if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before mixing them into the casserole to avoid a watery dish.
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
To lighten the casserole, consider using low-fat or fat-free cream of mushroom soup and milk. You can also add more vegetables like sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to refresh the creamy texture if it has thickened.
