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Green Bean Casserole

Featured in The Perfect Side for Every Meal.

This elevated green bean casserole completely changes the side dish game with fresh green beans swimming in a homemade mushroom sauce that'll make you forget the canned stuff exists. The creamy sauce gets its rich flavor from fresh mushrooms sautéed with garlic and herbs, while the crispy fried onion topping stays perfectly crunchy. Adding extra cheese or mushrooms lets you make it your own special version. The best part is you can assemble it ahead, which saves precious time during holiday cooking. People always go back for seconds since it tastes so much better than the traditional recipe.
A smiling woman in an apron poses for a selfie in a professional kitchen.
Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 22:06:14 GMT
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A creamy green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions in a white baking dish. Pin it
A creamy green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions in a white baking dish. | tastygusto.com

My Family's Green Bean Casserole

Every holiday gathering needs this comforting green bean casserole on the table. I've been making this recipe for years and it never fails to bring smiles. The secret lies in the perfect balance of tender green beans and creamy mushroom sauce topped with those addictively crispy onions that everyone loves to sneak bites of before dinner.

The Magic of This Recipe

This casserole has been my saving grace through countless family dinners. You can whip it up quickly with whatever green beans you have in your kitchen, prep it days ahead when life gets busy, and it always turns out delicious. I love how it fits perfectly with both fancy holiday meals and casual Sunday suppers.

What You'll Need

  • Green Beans: Fresh beans from your garden or farmers market are wonderful but I often use frozen when I'm short on time. For fresh beans simmer them 8 minutes until bright green. Frozen ones need about 5 minutes in boiling water with a pinch of salt. Canned beans work perfectly too just drain them well.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: This creates the most luxurious sauce. Sometimes I make my own but the classic Campbell's version brings back childhood memories.
  • Crispy Fried Onions: These golden bits of heaven make the dish sing. I always buy an extra container because they mysteriously disappear while I'm cooking.

Let's Get Cooking

Prepare Your Beans
Get your beans ready first. They should be tender but still have a little bite. Let them cool a bit after cooking.
Create the Base
Mix your soup with those perfectly cooked beans. I love adding a handful of crispy onions right into the mix plus some cheese when I'm feeling indulgent.
The Final Touch
Pour everything into your baking dish give it a good stir then shower it with those golden onions. Watch them turn perfectly crispy in the oven.

Make It Your Own

My family loves when I experiment with this recipe. A generous handful of sharp cheddar makes it extra decadent. Sometimes I'll make my own mushroom sauce with fresh mushrooms and cream. When I'm feeling fancy I'll mix buttery panko crumbs with parmesan for the topping instead of the usual onions.

Time Saving Tips

Life gets busy so I often prepare everything the night before and keep the topping separate until baking time. The whole casserole freezes beautifully too. Just thaw it overnight in your fridge when you're ready to use it. The flavors actually get better after a day or two.

A Little History

I learned something fascinating while leafing through my old cookbooks. This beloved casserole started as a simple "Green Bean Bake" created by a wonderful cook named Dorcas Reilley back in 1954. She worked for Campbell's Soup Company and created such a masterpiece that it earned a spot in the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Now that's kitchen magic!

A creamy green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions in a white dish. Pin it
A creamy green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions in a white dish. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare up to 48 hours ahead but keep topping separate until baking. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.

→ What type of green beans work best?

Fresh, frozen, or canned all work well. Just ensure fresh or frozen beans are cooked until tender-crisp before assembling.

→ How do I prevent soggy onions?

Add the final layer of onions in the last 10 minutes of baking. This keeps them crispy while everything else heats through.

→ Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low 2-3 hours in a 4qt slow cooker. Add crispy onions just before serving.

→ Why add soy sauce?

Soy sauce adds umami depth to the flavor. You can omit it or use Worcestershire sauce instead.

Green Bean Casserole

A classic casserole combining tender green beans in creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy fried onions. Perfect for holidays or family dinners.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 casserole)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 4 cups frozen cut green beans, thawed.
02 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup.
03 1/2 cup milk.
04 1 teaspoon soy sauce.
05 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
06 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt.
07 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, divided.
08 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional).
09 Fried mushrooms, onions, garlic, or shallots (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F.

Step 02

If using fresh/frozen, boil until tender-crisp. If using canned, drain well.

Step 03

Combine beans, soup, milk, soy sauce. Add seasonings. Stir in 1 cup onions. Add cheese if using.

Step 04

Transfer to 2qt baking dish. Bake 30-35 minutes until bubbly. Stir once done.

Step 05

Sprinkle remaining onions. Bake 10 minutes more until golden.

Notes

  1. Can make 48 hours ahead.
  2. Works in slow cooker.
  3. Multiple bean options.
  4. Stores 2-3 days.
  5. Great holiday dish.
  6. Easy to customize.

Tools You'll Need

  • 2qt or 8x8 baking dish.
  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Measuring cups.
  • Pot for beans.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream soup, milk).
  • Wheat (in fried onions).
  • Soy (soy sauce).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 112
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 11 g
  • Protein: 3 g