This Green Bean Casserole is a cozy dish made with tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and topped with crispy fried onions. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for gatherings!
Honestly, who can resist those crunchy onion bits on top? They make the whole dish pop. I love serving this with family—they always come back for seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans provide a great texture and flavor. If they’re not available, frozen green beans work just fine. They’re convenient and already trimmed!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is a staple for the recipe. If you prefer homemade, you can make a simple version using sautéed mushrooms, butter, flour, and broth as a base.
Milk: Whole milk gives richness, but you could use 2% milk or even a dairy-free milk substitute like almond or oat milk for a lighter option.
French Fried Onions: These add crunch! If you’re looking for a healthier twist, try using crushed potato chips or even breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of olive oil for a crispy topping.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Creamy and Not Dry?
The key to a creamy casserole is getting the right soup-to-bean ratio. Make sure to properly blend your soup and milk—this creates a smooth sauce that coats the beans. Also, don’t skip the baking time; the casserole needs to bubble up to meld all those flavors.
- Start by mixing the soup and milk thoroughly before adding the beans; this prevents clumps.
- When transferring to the baking dish, ensure the beans are well coated with the mixture.
- Keep an eye on it while baking. If it looks too dry, you can cover it with foil for part of the cooking time to retain moisture.
How to Make a Delicious Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or 4 cups frozen green beans, thawed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Time Needed:
This Green Bean Casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30-35 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 50 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly from the moment you put it in!
2. Prepare the Green Beans:
If you’re using fresh green beans, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 3-4 minutes, just until they’re tender-crisp. Then, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. If you’re going with frozen green beans, simply thaw and drain them well.
3. Make the Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, black pepper, and soy sauce if desired. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth—you want to have a creamy base for those green beans!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, add the prepared green beans and 2/3 cup of the French fried onions to the soup mixture. If you like a cheesy twist, toss in the shredded cheddar cheese as well. Give it a good mix so all the beans are coated with that delicious sauce.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Take a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the green bean mixture into it, spreading it out evenly. This will be the base of your casserole!
6. Bake the Casserole:
Put the casserole in the oven uncovered and bake it for about 25 minutes, or until you see it bubbling and heated through. This step helps to bind all those lovely flavors together.
7. Add the Crunchy Topping:
Once the casserole is nice and hot, take it out of the oven. Grab the remaining French fried onions and sprinkle them evenly on top of the casserole. This will give it that irresistible crunch!
8. Final Bake:
Put the casserole back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. You want the onions on top to turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it so they don’t burn!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
After it’s done baking, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is a classic and makes the perfect side for any festive meal. Enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Beans?
Absolutely! While green beans are traditional, you can try using haricots verts or even a mix of vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the vegetables you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this casserole gluten-free, choose a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and use gluten-free fried onions. There are many brands available that cater to gluten-free diets!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of milk before reheating to refresh it.
Can I Freeze Green Bean Casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it tightly and store it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight before popping it in the oven. If freezing after baking, ensure it’s completely cooled before wrapping securely.
