This Green Bean Casserole is a warm and creamy delight! Made with fresh green beans, savory cream of mushroom soup, and topped with crispy fried onions, it’s the perfect side dish.
Honestly, it’s a family favorite in my house. I love how easy it is to whip up—just mix, bake, and enjoy! Plus, those crunchy onions on top? They could make anything taste good! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans provide the best texture and flavor. If fresh isn’t available, frozen green beans work well too; just thaw and drain them before use.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This creamy base is essential, but you can use homemade versions or even swap it for cream of celery or broccoli soup if you prefer a different taste.
Milk: Any type of milk will do, including non-dairy options like almond or soy milk. I often use whole milk for its creaminess, but low-fat versions are fine too!
Soy Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, tamari or coconut aminos are great substitutes. You can also leave it out entirely for a lighter dish.
Crispy Fried Onions: These give crunch and flavor! If you can’t find them, you can crispy-fry some thinly sliced onions yourself or use panko breadcrumbs seasoned with a bit of oil.
How Do I Perfectly Blanch Green Beans?
Blanching green beans is key to keeping them vibrant and tender yet crisp. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salt helps flavor the beans and keeps their color bright.
- Add the trimmed green beans and boil for 3-5 minutes until they start to soften but still have a bite.
- Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps them stay green and crisp.
- Drain and pat dry before adding them to the casserole mix. This ensures the casserole doesn’t become watery!
Delicious Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions (divided)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for those busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important so that the casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly!
2. Blanch the Green Beans:
In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and let them boil for about 5 minutes. You want them to be slightly tender but still crisp. After that, drain the beans and set them aside. They should be bright green and crunchy!
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce (if you’re using it), and black pepper. Stir this mixture until everything is smooth and well-combined.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the blanched green beans to your soup mixture and then add half of the crispy fried onions. Give everything a good stir so that the beans are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
5. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Spread the green bean mixture into a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Make sure it’s spread evenly for consistent cooking.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is hot and bubbly!
7. Add the Crunchy Topping:
Once it’s hot, take it out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions on top. This adds a delicious crunch!
8. Final Bake:
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This will help the flavors settle. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!
Enjoy your fantastic Green Bean Casserole, the perfect companion for any meal!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen green beans, there’s no need to blanch them first. Simply thaw and drain before mixing them with the other ingredients. This saves time and is just as delicious!
Can I Make This Green Bean Casserole Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and checking the fried onions to ensure they’re gluten-free. Many brands offer great options that are just as tasty!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at a low temperature or microwave until heated through. You might want to add a few extra crispy onions on top for that crunch!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Casserole?
Definitely! You can customize your Green Bean Casserole by adding ingredients like cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even cheese for extra flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed to ensure everything is heated through.
