Green Bean Casserole Recipe

ByMateo Jones

Green Bean Casserole is a beloved classic that has graced dinner tables for generations, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

This creamy, savory dish combines tender green beans, a rich mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions for a comforting and satisfying side dish.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through making the perfect Green Bean Casserole. We’ll cover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and when to serve this timeless dish.

The History of Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole was created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a home economist at the Campbell Soup Company. Her goal was to create an easy, affordable dish using pantry staples.

The result was an instant hit, and the recipe has remained a holiday favorite ever since. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and crunchy topping, it’s no wonder this dish has stood the test of time.

Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole

To make a classic Green Bean Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Green Beans: 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of cut green beans, drained (or 4 cups of fresh or frozen green beans, cooked and drained).
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup.
  • Milk: 1/2 cup of milk (whole or 2% works best).
  • Soy Sauce: 1 teaspoon of soy sauce (optional, for added umami flavor).
  • Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
  • French Fried Onions: 1 1/3 cups of French fried onions, divided (for topping and mixing).

How to Make Green Bean Casserole

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Green Bean Casserole:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the Green Beans:
    • If using fresh or frozen green beans, cook them in boiling water for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain. If using canned green beans, simply drain them.
  3. Mix the Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce (if using), and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
    • Add the green beans and 2/3 cup of French fried onions to the mixture. Gently fold everything together until the green beans are evenly coated.
  4. Transfer to a Baking Dish:
    • Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
  5. Bake:
    • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
  6. Add the Topping:
    • Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of French fried onions on top.
  7. Finish Baking:
    • Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden and crispy.
  8. Serve:
    • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

+ Southern Collard Greens Recipe

Tips for the Perfect Green Bean Casserole

To ensure your Green Bean Casserole turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

  • Use Fresh Green Beans: For a fresher taste and better texture, use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned.
  • Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you prefer, make your own cream of mushroom soup for a richer, more flavorful sauce.
  • Add Cheese: For a cheesy twist, mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese with the soup mixture.
  • Crispy Onions: To keep the fried onions crispy, add them during the last 5 minutes of baking.
  • Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Add the fried onions just before baking.

When to Serve Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served on various occasions:

  • Holiday Dinners: It’s a staple at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter meals.
  • Potlucks: Its creamy, comforting nature makes it a hit at potlucks and family gatherings.
  • Weeknight Dinners: Pair it with roasted chicken or baked ham for a quick and satisfying meal.

Green Bean Casserole: A Table Overview

Below is a table summarizing the key steps and ingredients for making Green Bean Casserole:

Step Description Ingredients
Preheat Oven Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). –
Prepare Green Beans Cook fresh or frozen beans, or drain canned beans. Green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned).
Mix Ingredients Combine soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, beans, and 2/3 cup fried onions.
Cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, fried onions.
Transfer to Dish Pour mixture into a casserole dish. –
Bake Bake for 25 minutes. –
Add Topping Sprinkle remaining fried onions on top. Fried onions.
Finish Baking Bake for 5 more minutes until onions are crispy. –
Serve Let cool slightly before serving. –

+ Best Recipe for Cucumber Salad

Conclusion:

Green Bean Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a comforting tradition that brings people together.

With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and crispy topping, it’s no wonder this dish has remained a favorite for decades. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

By following the steps and tips outlined above, you can create a Green Bean Casserole that’s both delicious and memorable. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy this classic comfort food!

References and Further Reading

  1. CAMPBELL’S KITCHEN. Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe. Available at: www.campbells.com.
  2. AMERICAN TEST KITCHEN. The Science of Good Cooking. Cook’s Illustrated, 2012.
  3. Green Bean Casserole Variations – Food Network
  4. History of Green Bean Casserole – Smithsonian Magazine
  5. Tips for Perfect Casseroles – Bon Appétit

READ MORE