If you are looking for a comforting classic that brings families together, this Green Bean Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish is a delightful blend of tender green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a crispy onion topping that creates a harmony of textures and flavors you won’t forget. Perfect for holiday tables or casual dinners, its simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a timeless favorite. With every bite, you’ll experience a delicious, savory combination that makes the Green Bean Casserole Recipe a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Green Bean Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward but each plays an essential role in delivering the perfect taste, texture, and color. From the tender green beans to the crispy fried onions, these components are all you need to craft a memorable dish.
- 4 cups frozen cut green beans: These provide the fresh, crisp vegetable base that softens perfectly during cooking.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Acts as a rich and creamy binder that gives the casserole its signature flavor.
- ½ cup milk: Adds moisture and helps create a luscious sauce consistency.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Gives a subtle umami boost that deepens the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A little seasoning goes a long way in balancing the creaminess.
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt: Enhances the savory notes; add more if you prefer a stronger flavor.
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions (divided): The crunchy topping that finishes the dish with golden, irresistible texture.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Beans
Start by setting your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to go when your casserole is assembled. While the oven heats, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the frozen green beans. Boil them briefly, about 2 to 3 minutes, until they are tender crisp; this keeps them bright green and prevents mushiness.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Bowl
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the warm green beans with the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and seasoned salt. Stir in 1 cup of the crispy fried onions, which will add flavor inside the casserole. This mixture will be thick, creamy, and full of savory goodness.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the prepared green bean mixture into a 2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly so the casserole cooks consistently. This is where your simple ingredients start transforming into a dreamy, bubbly dish.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the dish uncovered in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce bubbling up around the edges, signaling it’s nearly time for the final crisp topping.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Onion Topping
After baking, take the casserole out and gently stir it once to blend the bubbling surface. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top, then return it to the oven for another 10 minutes. This step crisps the onions to a golden perfection that crowns the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and texture, garnish your casserole with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds. These not only add freshness but a delightful crunch that elevates the eating experience.
Side Dishes
This Green Bean Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or simple grilled chicken. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice also complement it perfectly, soaking up the savory sauce for a hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with crispy onions right before serving. Alternatively, layer it in a clear glass baking dish so guests can admire the creamy green bean goodness through the sides, making it just as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover green bean casserole keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making second servings just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead in bulk, this casserole freezes beautifully. Simply assemble it without the fried onion topping, freeze in a suitable container, and add the onions fresh before baking when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole to retain moisture and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Add a fresh layer of crispy onions if you want to revive that golden crunch after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans work wonderfully; just blanch them in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes until tender crisp before using. This keeps the perfect texture for the casserole.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cream of mushroom soup and milk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk and a dairy-free cream soup. Just make sure the flavors balance well to maintain the richness of the dish.
What can I add to customize this Green Bean Casserole Recipe?
Feel free to add cooked mushrooms, crispy bacon bits, or shredded cheese for extra depth. Each addition brings a new flavor dimension without overpowering the classic base.
Can I prepare the casserole fully in advance?
You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and store in the refrigerator. Add the crispy fried onions just before baking to keep them crunchy and fresh.
Why is soy sauce included in the recipe?
The soy sauce adds a subtle umami flavor that enhances the savory profile of the casserole, elevating the cream of mushroom soup and green beans without being too salty.
Final Thoughts
This Green Bean Casserole Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a holiday tradition or a weeknight favorite, I encourage you to give it a try and discover why it remains a beloved classic for so many. The comforting creaminess paired with that irresistible crunchy topping will quickly make this one of your go-to recipes.
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Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic Green Bean Casserole recipe featuring tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for a crunchy finish. Perfect for holiday meals or weeknight dinners, this dish combines simple ingredients with easy steps to deliver comforting flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 4 cups frozen cut green beans (see notes for canned or fresh beans)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt (more to taste)
Topping
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Green Beans: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the frozen green beans and boil until tender crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes, then drain.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked green beans with the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, seasoned salt, and 1 cup of crispy fried onions. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bake Initial Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and heated through.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove casserole from the oven, stir gently, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of crispy fried onions on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
Notes
- For fresh green beans, trim and blanch them before adding to the casserole.
- Canned green beans can be used but reduce boiling time or skip boiling to avoid mushiness.
- Adding shredded cheese can enhance flavor, though it’s optional.
- Use seasoned salt sparingly to control sodium levels.
- Ensure crispy fried onions are divided properly for texture contrast.
