Green Bean Casserole
A comforting American classic for any holiday table, this creamy casserole combines tender green beans and a savory mushroom sauce, all topped with crispy fried onions. It's a beloved Midwest side dish that's incredibly easy to make using pantry staples.
For 8 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven and prepare baking dish
- a.Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 1.5 to 2-quart casserole dish or a 9x9 inch baking pan.
- 2
Combine the sauce ingredients
- a.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the two cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- 3
Mix the casserole
- a.Add the well-drained green beans and 2/3 cup of the French fried onions to the soup mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until the green beans are evenly coated.
- 4
Transfer and bake
- a.Pour the green bean mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- 5
Add topping and finish baking
- a.Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of French fried onions evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
- 6
Rest and serve
- a.Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure your canned green beans are drained very well to prevent a watery casserole. Pat them dry with a paper towel for best results.
- 2For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
- 3Assemble the casserole (without the final onion topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time.
- 4Do not add the final onion topping until the last 5 minutes of baking, otherwise they will burn.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese into the green bean mixture before the first bake for a rich, cheesy flavor.
Mushroom Lover's CasseroleMushroom Lover's Casserole
Sauté 8 ounces of sliced fresh mushrooms (cremini or button) in butter until golden, then fold them into the casserole mixture for extra mushroom flavor and texture.
From Scratch SauceFrom-Scratch Sauce
Replace the canned soup with a homemade cream sauce. Sauté mushrooms and onions in butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and chicken or vegetable broth to create a béchamel sauce.
Added CrunchAdded Crunch
For more texture, mix in 1/2 cup of sliced water chestnuts or slivered almonds with the green beans.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Fiber
Green beans are a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health, helping to maintain regular bowel movements and support a healthy gut microbiome.
Provides Key Vitamins
Green beans contain essential vitamins, including Vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and bone health, and Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system.
Comfort Food for Well-being
As a classic comfort food, this dish can evoke feelings of nostalgia and happiness, contributing to overall emotional well-being, especially when shared during holidays and family gatherings.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving (about 1 cup) of this Green Bean Casserole contains approximately 160-190 calories, depending on the specific brands of soup and milk used.
