The Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe You’ll Ever Make
Green bean casserole is a classic side dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners or even weeknight meals when you’re craving something cozy and comforting. This dish brings together tender green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and the satisfying crunch of French fried onions. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving or just as a hearty side, this recipe is a total winner.
Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Casserole
Not only is this casserole incredibly delicious, but it’s also super easy to make. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful, creamy side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, since we’re using frozen green beans, there’s minimal prep time involved! Just throw it together, bake, and let the oven do the rest of the work.
Let’s break it down so you can get the most out of this simple yet delightful recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 24 oz Frozen Green Beans: Frozen green beans save time but give the same fresh taste.
- 2 cans of Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is where the creaminess comes from.
- 1/2 cup Milk: Helps thin out the soup and makes the casserole nice and smooth.
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Just a little seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp Pepper: Adds a bit of spice to balance the flavors.
- 1 clove Garlic, minced: Brings a subtle depth to the casserole.
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder: Adds more onion flavor to the dish.
- 6 oz can of French Fried Onions: The crispy topping that makes this casserole iconic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the creamy sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and onion powder. Give it all a good stir until it’s well combined.
- Mix in the green beans: Add your frozen green beans to the soup mixture and stir to coat the beans evenly.
- Layer and bake: Pour the green bean mixture into a casserole dish. Stir in half of the French fried onions. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add the crunch: After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven, give it a good stir, and top it with the remaining French fried onions.
- Finish baking: Pop the casserole back into the oven for another 10 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and enjoy: Your green bean casserole is ready to be devoured! Serve it alongside your favorite main course and enjoy.
FAQs About Green Bean Casserole
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh green beans, go for it. Just blanch them first—boil the beans for about 3-5 minutes and then plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will ensure your beans stay tender but not mushy.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, green bean casserole is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare the casserole up until the point where you’d add the fried onions. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as directed, adding the fried onions at the end.
Can I use a different soup if I don’t like mushrooms?
You can swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery if you’re not a fan of mushrooms. This will slightly change the flavor profile but will still be delicious and creamy.
How do I make this dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy milk substitute (like almond or oat milk) and look for a dairy-free cream soup or make your own using non-dairy ingredients. You can also find dairy-free fried onions at most health food stores.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 9×13-inch casserole dish works well for this recipe, but any similar-sized dish will do. You just want enough space to spread out the green beans evenly.
Variations on Green Bean Casserole
This recipe is a classic, but there are plenty of ways to switch it up and make it your own! Here are a few variations to try:
1. Add Cheese
For a cheesy twist, mix in about 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the soup mixture. You can also sprinkle cheese on top along with the French fried onions for an extra decadent finish.
2. Use Fresh Mushrooms
Want more texture and earthy flavor? Add some sautéed fresh mushrooms to the casserole. Sauté them with a little butter and garlic before mixing them in with the green beans and soup.
3. Bacon Lovers’ Version
Crisp up some bacon and crumble it into the green bean mixture before baking. You can also sprinkle bacon on top along with the onions for a smoky, savory flavor.
4. Spice it Up
Add a little heat by mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. This will give your green bean casserole a slight kick.
5. Gluten-Free
To make this casserole gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream soup and gluten-free fried onions. You’ll find both in most grocery stores these days, and they taste just as good as the traditional versions.
Perfect Pairings for Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is rich and creamy, making it the perfect side dish to pair with a variety of main courses. Here are a few ideas:
- Roast Turkey: The classic holiday pairing. Green bean casserole complements the savory flavors of turkey, whether roasted or fried.
- Honey-Glazed Ham: The sweet and salty flavors of a honey-glazed ham balance the creaminess of the casserole beautifully.
- Roast Chicken: A simple roast chicken is elevated when served alongside green bean casserole, making for a comforting, hearty meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve green bean casserole with mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food combo.
- Steak or Prime Rib: If you’re going all out with a fancy meal, this casserole holds its own next to a juicy steak or prime rib.
Storing and Freezing Options
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rarely the case!), here’s how you can store and freeze your green bean casserole:
Storing Leftovers:
After baking, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it back into a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re short on time.
Freezing Instructions:
Green bean casserole can be frozen either before or after baking. If you’re freezing it before baking, assemble the casserole up until the point where you’d add the fried onions, then cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, bake as directed, and add the fried onions at the end.
If you’re freezing leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat the thawed casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Green bean casserole is a time-tested dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. With its creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onion topping, it’s no wonder this side dish has become a favorite for so many families. Whether you’re sticking to the classic recipe or experimenting with fun variations, this casserole is sure to be a hit.
Make it for the holidays, for Sunday dinner, or anytime you’re in the mood for something deliciously cozy!
Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 24 oz green beans frozen
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 6 oz French's fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and onion powder.
- Add the frozen green beans to the mixture, stirring to coat.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and mix in half of the French fried onions.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then stir the casserole and top with the remaining French fried onions.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the onions are crispy and golden.
- Serve warm and enjoy!