This Green Bean Casserole is a warm, cozy dish that’s perfect for any meal. Made with fresh green beans, creamy soup, and crunchy fried onions, it’s hard to resist!
Honestly, I love how these flavors come together. It’s a classic comfort food that makes any gathering feel special. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the star of this dish! If fresh ones aren’t available, frozen green beans work just as well. They’re prepped and ready to go, making your life a bit easier.
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is key for the creamy texture. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms or want a lighter option, try using a cream of chicken soup or a homemade béchamel sauce for a fresher take.
Milk: Whole milk gives the best creaminess, but you can use low-fat milk or even a plant-based milk if you’re looking for dairy-free options. Just make sure it’s unsweetened!
French Fried Onions: These add a fantastic crunch! If you want to avoid processed food, you could make your own crispy onions by frying thinly sliced onions in oil until golden brown.
Mushrooms: While they’re optional, they add lots of flavor. If you don’t have fresh mushrooms, canned mushrooms can work too. Just drain them well before adding.
How Do I Cook Green Beans for the Perfect Crunch?
To keep your green beans crisp and bright, it’s important not to overcook them. Here’s how:
- Start with boiling well-salted water. This helps season the beans.
- Add the trimmed green beans and cook for just 5 minutes. They should be bright green and tender, but still a bit firm.
- After draining, you can shock them in ice water for a minute to stop the cooking process. This locks in their vibrant color and crunch!
By following these steps, you’ll have perfect green beans every time, making your casserole even more delicious!
How to Make Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions (divided)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Green Bean Casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes before you’re ready to serve this delicious side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s warmed up and ready for your casserole.
2. Cook the Green Beans:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and cook them for about 5 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp—perfect for this dish. After that, drain the beans and set them aside.
3. Mix the Soup Base:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and black pepper. Use a whisk or spoon to stir everything until it’s smooth and combined.
4. Add the Beans and Mushrooms:
Carefully add the cooked green beans and sliced mushrooms (if you’re using them) into the bowl with the soup mixture. Stir gently to ensure all the green beans are nicely coated.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish or any similar casserole dish you have. Spread it out evenly across the dish.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly. This step helps to meld all the flavors together in a delicious creamy base.
7. Add the Fried Onions:
When the casserole is ready, take it out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions on top. This will give it that crunchy texture we all love!
8. Final Bake:
Put the casserole back in the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the onions to crisp up nicely without becoming burnt.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This delicious green bean casserole is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any gathering. Enjoy the creamy goodness and the crunch of the fried onions!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans are a great time-saver. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the casserole to keep it from getting watery.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold.
How Do I Store Leftover Casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick meal!
What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, milk, and seasonings for a fresher flavor!
