Green Bean Casserole is a timeless holiday favorite that never goes out of style. With tender green beans coated in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with golden crispy onions, this comforting side dish is a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family dinner. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser.
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Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Green Bean Casserole is a timeless holiday favorite with tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions. Simple, budget-friendly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each / 410 g) cut green beans, drained (or 4 cups fresh, blanched)
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
- 1 tsp soy sauce (optional)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 ⅓ cups crispy fried onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, mix soup, milk, soy sauce (if using), and pepper. Stir in green beans and ⅔ cup of the fried onions. Add cheese if desired.
- Transfer mixture into the casserole dish and bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Sprinkle remaining fried onions on top and bake another 5 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh green beans for extra texture—just blanch first. Make dairy-free with plant-based milk and vegan cream soup. Add sour cream, sautéed mushrooms, or cayenne for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: green bean casserole, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving, Christmas, comfort food
At a Glance
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Cost: $8–$10
Ingredients
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each / 410 g) cut green beans, drained (or use 4 cups fresh, blanched)
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
- 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for savory depth)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 ⅓ cups crispy fried onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy twist)
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Use fresh green beans if you prefer extra texture just blanch for 5 minutes before mixing.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat soup and reduced-sodium beans.
- Make it dairy-free with almond or oat milk and a vegan cream soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Mix base: In a large bowl, combine soup, milk, soy sauce (if using), and pepper. Stir in green beans and ⅔ cup of the fried onions. Add cheese if desired.
- Bake first round: Transfer mixture into the casserole dish and bake uncovered for 25 minutes, until hot and bubbling.
- Top & finish: Sprinkle remaining fried onions on top and bake another 5 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.
Pro Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of sour cream before baking.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or onions for more flavor.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Make it ahead: assemble the casserole (without onions on top), refrigerate overnight, then bake before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect alongside turkey, ham, or roasted chicken.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce for a full holiday spread.
- Add a fresh green salad or crusty rolls to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in a covered dish for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze before baking (without onion topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through. Add fresh fried onions if needed for crunch.
Troubleshooting
- Too thick? Add a splash of milk before baking.
- Not creamy enough? Stir in extra soup or sour cream.
- Topping burns too quickly? Cover loosely with foil, then uncover for the last 5 minutes.