The Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe for a Cozy Family Dinner

Comfort cuisine reaches new heights with a green bean casserole that whispers nostalgic memories.

Crisp vegetables nestle beneath a golden, crunchy topping crafted with care.

Grandmothers and home cooks have long cherished this classic side dish.

Rich cream and savory seasonings meld into a creamy embrace that warms winter gatherings.

Crispy onions crown the tender green beans, creating textural magic in every bite.

Weeknight dinners and holiday spreads welcome this simple yet spectacular dish.

Green Bean Casserole That’s Always A Classic

• Speedy Comfort Cooking: Whip up this classic green bean casserole in under an hour with minimal prep work.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults with its creamy texture and crunchy onion topping.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires just a few pantry staples, making it an budget-friendly and accessible dish that anyone can master, even novice cooks.
• Low-Effort Crowd-Warmer: Delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen time, transforming simple green beans into a delectable side dish that feels like a special treat.

Classic Green Bean Casserole Combination

• Green Beans: The star of the casserole, providing a crisp and nutritious base. Fresh or frozen work well, but drain excess water completely.

• Condensed Soup: Creamy base that adds richness and binding to the casserole. Choose cream of mushroom for classic flavor.
• Milk: Helps thin the soup and create a smooth texture. Whole milk recommended for best results.

• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the dish. Low-sodium version works great.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and enhances overall seasoning.
• Seasoned Salt: Adds complex flavor profile and balances other ingredients.

• Crispy Onions: Gives a delightful crunch and golden brown finish. Store-bought or homemade both work perfectly.

Green Bean Casserole – How to Prepare

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F, setting the stage for a mouthwatering side dish that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance.

Step 2: Prep The Green Beans

If you’re working with fresh or frozen green beans, give them a quick bath in boiling water.

Blanch them just until they’re tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant green color and satisfying crunch.

Step 3: Create The Creamy Mixture

• Green beans
• Condensed cream soup
• Milk
• Soy sauce
• Black pepper
• Seasoned salt
• Crispy onions (reserve some for topping)

Stir everything together until the ingredients become best friends, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 4: Transfer To Baking Dish

Generously grease a 2-quart baking dish or 8×8-inch pan.

Pour your green bean mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Initial Baking Session

Slide the uncovered dish into the preheated oven.

Let it bubble and sizzle for 30-35 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 6: First Topping Application

Pull the casserole out of the oven.

Give it a gentle stir, then sprinkle the remaining crispy onions across the surface for extra crunch.

Step 7: Final Golden Browning

Return the dish to the oven for a final 10-minute dance.

Watch as the onions transform into a gorgeous golden-brown crown.

Step 8: Serve And Savor

Bring your masterpiece to the table while it’s warm.

Get ready for compliments and empty plates!

Green Bean Casserole Tips For Creamy Layers

• Blanch fresh or frozen green beans briefly to maintain their crisp, vibrant texture and prevent mushiness during baking.
• Add a splash of worcestershire sauce or a pinch of garlic powder to elevate the casserole's savory profile and create more complexity.
• Swap condensed cream soup with a homemade cream sauce and use gluten-free crispy onions to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Sprinkle crispy onions during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to ensure a crunchy, golden-brown topping without burning.
• Replace whole milk with low-fat milk or unsweetened plant-based alternatives to reduce calories and accommodate dietary preferences.

Green Bean Casserole Stores Well for Another Side

• Store leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent crispy onions from burning.
• For quick reheating, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Classic Combos For Green Bean Casserole

Savor Complementary Flavor Combinations: Explore Perfect Pairings for Green Bean Casserole

• Roast Turkey Touchdown: Pair this classic casserole with succulent roasted turkey for a traditional holiday feast that brings comfort and warmth to your dinner table.
• Rich Red Wine Match: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir to balance the creamy, savory flavors of the green bean casserole, enhancing its depth and richness.
• Hearty Protein Partner: Serve alongside roasted chicken or glazed ham to create a complete meal that satisfies with its robust and complementary taste profiles.
• Crisp Salad Companion: Add a light, fresh garden salad with vinaigrette dressing to cut through the casserole's creaminess and provide a refreshing contrast on the plate.

Green Bean Casserole Renditions

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup for a lactose-intolerant friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular crispy onions with gluten-free crispy onions and use a gluten-free condensed soup to make the casserole safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Veggie Casserole: Substitute condensed soup with a homemade cashew cream sauce, use plant-based milk, and top with crispy fried shallots for a completely plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sodium Swap: Use low-sodium soy sauce, reduce or eliminate added salt, and choose a low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to create a heart-healthy version of the classic dish.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, absolutely! Fresh green beans work great. Just blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain and cool before adding to the casserole.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify your crispy onions are gluten-free to make this dish celiac-friendly.

• What type of milk works best in this recipe?

Whole milk provides the richest flavor and creamiest texture. However, 2% or low-fat milk will also work well without significantly changing the overall taste.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just add the final crispy onion topping right before baking to keep them crunchy.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Green bean casserole brings classic comfort to dinner tables with nostalgic Midwestern charm. Crispy fried onions crown creamy green beans, creating a side dish that sparks memories of family gatherings and holiday meals you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 4 cups (907 grams) frozen cut green beans, thawed

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 (10.5 ounces/298 grams) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt (or more to taste)

Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 2-quart baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or butter.
2. Prepare green beans by blanching in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they reach a vibrant green color and maintain a delicate crunch, then quickly transfer to an ice bath to halt cooking.
3. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate drained green beans with condensed cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, aged soy sauce, freshly cracked black pepper, and seasoned salt.
4. Fold in half of the crispy onions, ensuring each bean is generously coated with the creamy mixture.
5. Carefully pour the dressed green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a smooth surface.
6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, watching for slight bubbling around the edges indicating it’s heating through.
7. Remove the casserole and generously scatter the remaining crispy onions across the top, creating an even layer of golden-brown potential.
8. Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, monitoring the onion topping to prevent excessive browning.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the sauce settle and flavors meld together.
10. Serve immediately while the casserole remains warm and the onion topping maintains its delightful crispness.

Notes

• Blanch green beans quickly to maintain vibrant color and crisp texture, ensuring they don’t become mushy during baking.
• Opt for low-sodium condensed soup to control salt content and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a vegan-friendly version that keeps the creamy consistency.
• Experiment with adding crispy bacon bits or sliced mushrooms for extra depth of flavor and texture variation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 248
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 655mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 10mg