Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

This delicious Green Bean Casserole recipe is a classic holiday side dish that combines tender green beans with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce and a crispy fried onion topping. It makes a hearty and comforting addition to any meal, perfect for any occasion.

Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Can you even have Thanksgiving dinner without classics like Roasted Turkey, Sweet Potato Casserole, and, of course, Green Bean Casserole? This recipe shows you how to make green bean casserole just like grandma used to make. Tender green beans are blanched to perfection, and then they are smothered in a creamy, savory mushroom sauce. Then for the best part – they’re topped with crispy fried onions and baked until bubbly and golden brown. 

It’s that one classic dish that you can always count on to disappear fast. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just craving some cozy comfort food, this Green Bean Casserole is the perfect addition to any meal. It’s easy to whip up but tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve for a special occasion, yet easy enough for a simple weeknight meal. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra because there won’t be any leftovers!

Why We Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – With just a few simple ingredients and just a few minutes of prep, it’s a breeze to whip up, even on busy days.
• Taste delicious – The creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions add a perfect blend of savory flavors and crunchy textures.
• Make ahead dish – Great recipe to make in advance because you can prepare it in advance and bake it the next day, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

• Green beans – Frozen green beans were used in this recipe, however canned or fresh green beans can also be used. There is no need to thaw the green beans before blanching.
• Cream of mushroom soup – mushroom soup is typically used but you can use other varieties of creamy canned condensed soup instead.
• Milk – For best results use whole fat milk. If you only have reduced-fat milk, you can add a splash of heavy cream with it. 
• Black pepper – Season the casserole to taste with pepper.  The mixture should have enough salt from the soup, but feel free to add another pinch of salt if necessary.
• Crispy fried onions – Use your preferred brand of crispy fried onions.  The onions are used both in the casserole mixture and as a garnish on top.

Recommended Tools 

• Saucepan or large pot with lid
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Silicone spatula
• 9 x 13 inch baking dish

How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Step One: Blanch the Green Beans

• Preheat the oven to 325°F 
• Blanch the green beans by adding them to a large pot of salted water and simmer for 3 minutes.  Drain and rinse under cold water or add to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.  Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess water and set aside.

Tip: Blanch the beans in a little chicken broth or chicken stock instead of water for extra flavor. 

Step Two: Mix the Sauce Ingredients

• Add the canned soup and the milk to a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined and season to taste with the pepper. 

• Stir through the green beans along with half of the crispy onions.

Step Three: Bake the Casserole

• Transfer the green bean mixture into a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Bake for 30 minutes.  

Step Four: Add the Topping

• Top with the remaining crispy French-fried onions and bake for a further 5 minutes or until bubbly and the onion topping is golden brown.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container, or covered tightly with plastic wrap, in the fridge for up to 3 days.  Reheat until piping hot using the oven or microwave.

Freezing Green Bean Casserole 

This casserole is suitable for freezing. Let the baked casserole cool until it’s room temperature. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.  Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating according to the above directions.

Variations and Add-ins

• Cheesy twist – Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese Pepper Jack or Parmesan cheese to the mushroom sauce for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
• Bacon – Add crumbled bacon to the green beans before baking for a smoky, savory flavor.
• Mushroom – Feel free to add a mix of fresh mushrooms (like cremini mushrooms or button mushrooms.
• Garlic and herbs – Mix in some minced garlic or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an added depth of flavor.
• Topping – Combine the crispy French fried onions with crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy topping.
• Spicy kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mushroom sauce for a subtle kick of heat. 

Classic Green Bean Casserole Top Tips

• If you’re using fresh or frozen beans, don’t skip blanching them. Blanching the green beans before baking ensures they are tender yet crisp, and it also helps them to retain a vibrant color.
• After blanching, make sure to pat the green beans dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can make the casserole watery.
• Keep an eye on the casserole closely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the fried onions from burning. The casserole is done when it’s bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
• Use a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish to give the ingredients enough room to spread out and bake evenly. This helps it develop a nice, bubbly texture and allows the beans to cook through.
• Add all the soup and milk the recipe calls for. The sauce is going to thicken some while it bakes because the onions will soak up some of the liquid.

FAQs

Other Classic Holiday Side Dish Recipes

• Cranberry Sauce
• Cranberry Jello Salad
• Pineapple Casserole
• Jiffy Corn Casserole
• Green Bean Casserole
• Glazed Carrots
• Baked Mac and Cheese
• Funeral Potatoes
• Sugared Cranberries
• Carrot Souffle