Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe: A Classic Family Favorite

Green bean casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to any dinner table with its creamy, crispy goodness.

Memories of family gatherings flood back with each delightful bite.

Crisp green beans nestled in a rich, velvety sauce create a perfect harmony of textures.

Crunchy onion toppings add a delightful contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a weeknight favorite.

Culinary magic happens when you combine fresh produce with pantry staples.

A single forkful promises to transport you to cozy kitchen memories and warm conversations.

What Makes This Green Bean Casserole Crowd-Pleasing

• Whip Up Comfort Classics: This green bean casserole delivers pure homestyle comfort with its creamy sauce and crispy onion topping, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug.
• Simplify Cooking Complexity: Incredibly straightforward recipe with basic ingredients and minimal prep work, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Creation: Flexible recipe that allows personal touches like adding bacon bits, using fresh herbs, or swapping ingredients to match family preferences and dietary needs while maintaining its classic charm.
• Versatile Gathering Pleaser: Ideal for holiday meals, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this casserole transitions seamlessly between casual family suppers and elegant gatherings with its universal appeal.

Your Green Bean Casserole Ingredient Shopping List

• Green Beans: Fresh and crisp green beans that provide the base for this classic casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk, Sour Cream: A rich and smooth mixture that creates a luxurious sauce for the green beans.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Seasonings that add depth and aromatic flavor to the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Fried Onions: Crispy and golden onions that provide a crunchy texture and delicious finishing touch to the casserole.

Green Bean Casserole: Simple Preparation Steps to Follow

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to a cozy 350F (175C).

This temperature will help create that perfect golden touch.

Step 2: Prepare Green Beans

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Add a pinch of salt and bring it to a rolling boil.

Toss in the green beans and let them dance in the hot water for 5 minutes.

Quickly drain them and set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Mixture

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk everything until the mixture becomes smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Blend Green Beans

Pour the green beans into the creamy mixture.

Gently stir to ensure every green bean gets a delicious coating.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a light grease.

Transfer the green bean mixture into the dish.

Sprinkle a generous layer of fried onions on top.

Step 6: First Baking Round

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Let it bake for 25 minutes until the casserole starts bubbling with excitement.

Step 7: Add Extra Crunch

Pull the casserole out of the oven.

Shower the top with the remaining fried onions for an extra crispy layer.

Step 8: Final Bake

Return the dish to the oven for a quick 5-minute finale.

Watch as the onions transform into a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Serve and Celebrate

Bring this mouthwatering green bean casserole to the table.

Enjoy the creamy, crunchy masterpiece you’ve just created!

Pro Tips for Outstanding Green Bean Casserole Results

• Shock green beans in ice water immediately after boiling to stop cooking and preserve bright green color and crisp texture.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce for fresher, lighter flavor and control over sodium levels.
• Mix panko breadcrumbs with fried onions for extra crispy, golden topping that adds delightful texture and crunch.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and increase protein content without sacrificing creamy consistency.
• Assemble casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake right before serving to save time during holiday cooking.

Flavor Twists to Elevate Your Green Bean Casserole

• Vegan Green Bean Casserole: Replace cream of mushroom soup with dairy-free mushroom soup, use coconut milk instead of regular milk, substitute sour cream with cashew cream, and top with homemade crispy panko breadcrumbs.
• Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, swap fried onions with gluten-free crispy onions, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Green Bean Casserole: Opt for low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, eliminate added salt, use herbs like thyme and rosemary for flavor, and choose reduced-sodium fried onions.

Serving Ideas for Hot Green Bean Casserole

• Festive Family Feast: Pair this green bean casserole with classic holiday proteins like roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or herb-crusted chicken for a complete meal.
• Rustic Side Spread: Complement the casserole with creamy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and warm dinner rolls to create a comforting, traditional dinner experience.
• Seasonal Gathering Plate: Serve alongside roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips to add extra color and nutritional variety to your holiday table.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the creamy, rich flavors of the casserole.

Storage Solutions for Fresh Green Bean Casserole

• Seal leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the crispy onion topping separate to maintain its crunchiness.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months; avoid adding onion topping before freezing.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat uncovered at 350F for 20-25 minutes; sprinkle fresh fried onions on top during the last 5 minutes to restore crispiness.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for a classic green bean casserole?

The key ingredients include fresh green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, fried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These components create the creamy texture and rich flavor of the dish.

• Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh green beans are recommended. Blanch them in salted water for 5 minutes before mixing with other ingredients to ensure they’re tender and maintain a crisp texture.

• How do I prevent the fried onions from burning?

Add half the fried onions before initial baking, then sprinkle the remaining onions during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This technique ensures golden brown, crispy onions without burning.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

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

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Description

Green bean casserole brings classic comfort to holiday tables with crispy, golden-brown onions and creamy mushroom sauce. Homemade goodness delivers a nostalgic side dish that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 2 cups cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups French fried onions

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil, then submerge green beans for precisely 5 minutes until they become vibrant and slightly tender.
3. Drain the green beans thoroughly and set aside while preparing the creamy base.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture reaches a smooth, consistent texture.
5. Gently fold the blanched green beans into the soup mixture, ensuring each bean is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
6. Transfer the green bean and sauce combination into a greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
7. Sprinkle the first layer of fried onions over the green bean mixture, creating an initial crispy topping.
8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the mixture to become hot and bubbly.
9. Carefully remove the casserole and distribute the remaining fried onions across the top for an extra crispy finish.
10. Return to the oven for a final 5-minute baking period, watching the onions turn golden brown and crisp.
11. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving this classic holiday side dish.

Notes

• Choose fresh, crisp green beans for the best texture and flavor in your casserole.
• Avoid overcooking green beans during blanching to maintain their bright green color and crunchy texture.
• Consider using low-fat dairy alternatives like Greek yogurt or almond milk for a lighter version of the dish.
• Try adding crumbled bacon or sliced almonds on top for extra crunch and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg