Green bean casserole is a cozy, classic dish that always brings a smile to our dinner table, especially during the holidays. This dish pairs tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and crunchy fried onions for a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
This recipe addresses creaminess, crunchiness, and flavor issues found in traditional casseroles, ensuring a satisfying and tasty dish for any meal occasion.
I remember the first time I tried making this for my family. It was a busy weeknight, and I wanted something quick yet special. I ended up forgetting to set the timer, and the edges got a little too crispy, but to my surprise, everyone loved it even more with that added crunch!
What I love about this easy recipe is how approachable it is for home cooks looking to impress without much fuss. It’s ready in just about 40 minutes, making it an ideal side dish for gatherings or everyday meals alike. If you’re looking for another great side to whip up, try my broccolini frittata that also captures those comforting, warm flavors.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Comforting Creaminess , This dish features a rich mushroom sauce that provides a satisfying, creamy consistency that complements the tender green beans beautifully. It feels like a warm hug on a plate, evoking memories of family dinners.
- Signature Crunch , The crispy fried onions on top not only add texture but also a savory crunch that contrasts perfectly with the smooth sauce and beans. It’s that satisfying bite that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Convenient Preparation , With a prep time of just 10 minutes, this casserole comes together quickly, making it an easy option for busy weekdays or special occasions. Just mix, pour, and bake for a hassle-free meal.
- Long-Lasting Freshness , Once baked, this dish holds up well in the fridge, maintaining its flavor and texture for several days. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option, perfect for meal prep or holiday menus.
Green Bean Casserole with Mushroom Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic, creamy green bean casserole made with condensed cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions. Easy to prepare and serves a crowd.
Ingredients
-
- 3 cans (10.5 oz / 298 g each) cream of mushroom soup, condensed
- 3 cans (15.5 oz / 439 g each) cut green beans, drained
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk, whole milk preferred
- 1 container (6 oz / 170 g) crispy fried onions
- 1 container (6 oz / 170 g) crispy fried onions (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder (optional for flavor boost)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray your 9×13-inch baking pan or casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: Mix Ingredients Thoroughly: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, well-drained cut green beans, milk, and one container (6 oz / 170 g) of crispy fried onions. Stir until the mixture is fully combined to avoid clumping and to ensure a smooth creamy texture.
- Step 3: Spread Evenly in Dish: Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to facilitate uniform cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Step 4: Add Topping Generously: Take the remaining container (6 oz / 170 g) of crispy fried onions and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole mixture to ensure every serving has a crunchy, savory bite.
- Step 5: Bake to Golden Brown: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden brown and the mixture to become bubbly, both indicators of doneness.
- Step 6: Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the casserole to set properly, making it easier to serve and hold its shape.
Notes
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- Storage Tips – Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, avoiding heat and direct sunlight.
- Storage Tips – Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days; cover tightly to prevent moisture loss.
- Storage Tips – Freezing: Use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Expert Tips – To prevent sogginess: Ensure green beans are fully drained and even drained 10 minutes before baking to remove excess moisture.
- Expert Tips – To avoid burnt onions: If crispy fried onions brown too fast during baking, loosely cover the casserole with foil for the last 10 minutes while maintaining crispiness.
- Expert Tips – To enhance flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the soup mixture for additional depth.
- Expert Tips – For a firmer casserole: Let the dish rest for 15 minutes after baking to help it set up nicely before cutting and serving.
- Expert Tips – For homemade flavor: Substitute canned cream of mushroom soup with 2 cups of prepared homemade creamy mushroom sauce, adjusting thickness as needed.
- Reheating Instructions – Reheat refrigerated casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, approximately 15-20 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Serving Suggestions – Serve alongside grilled chicken or turkey for a complete meal. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a mixed greens salad pair well to complement the casserole’s flavors. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, add crispy shallots, or drizzle with balsamic glaze for additional flavor and texture enhancements.
- Recipe Variations – To create a vegetarian green bean casserole, replace the canned cream of mushroom soup with a homemade mushroom sauce. This alternative ensures the dish remains hearty without meat products. Use the casserole as a side with pasta dishes or with meatloaf or baked ham for variety.
- Ingredient Notes – Green Beans: Choose fresh green beans that are bright green and free of blemishes for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen beans, thaw completely beforehand.
- Ingredient Notes – Mushroom Soup: Use condensed cream of mushroom soup without artificial ingredients for richer taste.
- Ingredient Notes – Crispy Fried Onions: Select high-quality brands with simple ingredients and store in airtight containers to maintain crispness.
- Ingredient Notes – Milk: Whole milk provides the best creaminess; low-fat milk is acceptable but avoid skim milk as it lacks richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx 1/12 of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredient Notes
- Green beans: Choose fresh, bright green beans without blemishes. They’re key for crunch and freshness in the casserole. If using frozen, make sure they’re thawed first.
- Mushroom soup: A condensed version works best for this recipe, providing creaminess and flavor. Look for ones without artificial ingredients for a richer taste.
- Mushrooms: Fresh button or cremini mushrooms add depth and umami. Make sure they’re firm and smell earthy. Avoid slimy or discolored ones.
- French fried onions: These add a crispy texture and savory crunch. Opt for high-quality brands with simple ingredients. Store them in an airtight container for freshness.
- Milk: Whole milk brings creaminess to the mix. If you prefer a lighter option, use low-fat milk, but avoid skim as it lacks richness.
- Green beans: Choose fresh, bright green beans without blemishes. They’re key for crunch and freshness in the casserole. If using frozen, make sure they’re thawed first.
- Mushroom soup: A condensed version works best for this recipe, providing creaminess and flavor. Look for ones without artificial ingredients for a richer taste.
- Mushrooms: Fresh button or cremini mushrooms add depth and umami. Make sure they’re firm and smell earthy. Avoid slimy or discolored ones.
- French fried onions: These add a crispy texture and savory crunch. Opt for high-quality brands with simple ingredients. Store them in an airtight container for freshness.
- Milk: Whole milk brings creaminess to the mix. If you prefer a lighter option, use low-fat milk, but avoid skim as it lacks richness.
Recipe Tips
- If your casserole is too watery, drain the green beans well before mixing, ensuring they are fully drained 10 minutes before baking.
- When the crispy onions brown too quickly, cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning while keeping them crispy.
- If the casserole lacks flavor, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the soup mixture before combining the ingredients for a flavor boost.
- For a firmer texture, let the dish sit for 15 minutes after baking; this helps the casserole set nicely before serving.
- If you prefer a homemade taste, replace canned soup with 2 cups of a prepared homemade creamy mushroom sauce, adjusting consistency as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with grilled chicken or turkey for a hearty meal. A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a mixed greens salad complements the green bean casserole well.
Use to make a vegetarian green bean casserole by substituting cream of mushroom soup with a homemade mushroom sauce. Add to pasta dishes or serve as a side with meatloaf or baked ham.
Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or add crispy shallots for extra crunch. A drizzle of balsamic glaze also enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
Recipe variations
- You can use fresh, frozen, or canned green beans in this green bean casserole. Fresh beans add firmness, while frozen offer convenience, and canned provide ease of use for quick prep.
- Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or 1/2 teaspoon onion powder to the mushroom sauce base to deepen flavor. Adjust seasonings according to your taste preference for a mild kick.
- Either regular cream of mushroom soup or a low-sodium or homemade version can be used. Preparing your own soup allows control over salt and texture in the casserole.
- If cooking for more than 12, double the ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch pans. Bake each at 350°F for 35 minutes, checking until bubbly and browned on the edges.
- This casserole pairs well with dishes like the Green Bean Fries, offering a crisp contrast for a satisfying vegetable side meal.
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How to Store?
To keep your green bean casserole fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days, avoiding exposure to heat and direct sunlight.
Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covering tightly to prevent moisture loss.
Freezing: Use a freezer-safe container, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.
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