Overhead view of a festive holiday meal featuring a large serving dish of golden-brown Green Bean Casserole topped with crispy fried onions.

Few dishes evoke warmth and heartfelt nostalgia quite like the classic Green Bean Casserole. This iconic side has gracefully adorned countless holiday tables and family dinners for generations, solidifying its place as a cherished American culinary tradition. Our incredibly simple recipe empowers you to create this beloved dish effortlessly, using just five core ingredients and requiring minimal prep time. Prepare to delight in a creamy, savory, and wonderfully easy Green Bean Casserole that is perfect for any meal, from festive gatherings to cozy weeknight dinners.

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According to Campbell’s, the Green Bean Casserole was created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly in the Campbell’s Test Kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Casserole

You will absolutely adore preparing and sharing this fantastic Green Bean Casserole for so many compelling reasons! It truly defines ultimate comfort food, guaranteed to bring smiles to every single person at your table.

Ultimate Comfort Food: This creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying dish offers heartwarming goodness that instantly feels like a comforting embrace.
Effortless Preparation: With our wonderfully straightforward, step-by-step guide, even absolute beginners can confidently master this classic recipe.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a grand holiday feast, a casual potluck, or a simple weeknight family dinner, this versatile casserole fits perfectly.
Family Favorite: Its universally loved flavors and appealing texture make it an undeniable crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.
Quick & Easy: Spend less time in the kitchen and more cherished moments enjoying delicious food and company with your loved ones.

Ingredients

Making a classic Green Bean Casserole begins with a short list of simple, accessible ingredients. You might even find most of these already in your pantry!

1 can (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (or Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup / Cream of Celery Soup for variations)
1/2 cup 2% milk (for creaminess)
1 teaspoon soy sauce (for savory depth)
4 cups cooked cut green beans (the main vegetable)
1 1/3 cups French’s® French Fried Onions (divided: for mixing in and for the crispy topping)

Green beans are packed with nutrients like dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, contributing to various health benefits such as improved heart health and digestion. Learn more about the health benefits of green beans.

Notes & Substitutions

Customize your casserole! For the soup, any condensed cream soup works well. Use fresh green beans (blanched), frozen (thawed), or canned (drained thoroughly). Whole milk, skim milk, or unsweetened dairy-free milk alternatives are suitable. If no soy sauce, use Worcestershire sauce, or a pinch of garlic and onion powder for savory flavor. This flexibility helps you create the perfect Green Bean Casserole.

Equipment

Gathering your essential kitchen tools before you begin makes cooking much smoother. You will only need a few basic items to prepare this delightful Green Bean Casserole with ease.

1.5-quart oven-safe casserole dish: Perfect for baking and serving.
Large mixing bowl: For thoroughly combining all ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient proportions.
Spatula or mixing spoon: For easy mixing and transferring.

Instructions

Follow these easy and straightforward steps to create your perfect Green Bean Casserole. This simple process ensures fantastic results every time you make it.

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Combine Ingredients

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In your large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of 2% milk, and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Whisk these liquid ingredients until they are smooth. Next, fold in the cooked cut green beans and 2/3 cup of the French fried onions. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring until well combined. Transfer this savory Green Bean Casserole mixture into your prepared 1 1/2-quart oven-safe casserole dish, spreading it evenly. So simple!

Step 2: Initial Bake & Stir

Carefully place the casserole dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the Green Bean Casserole mixture is hot and bubbling around the edges. Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Gently stir the bean mixture to ensure even distribution and heating. This step prevents dry spots. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of crispy French fried onions over the top surface of the casserole for maximum crunch.

Step 3: Final Bake & Serve

Return the casserole to the oven for its final bake. Continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the French fried onions on top turn a beautiful golden brown and become delightfully crispy. Once perfectly baked, carefully remove your Green Bean Casserole from the oven. Allow it a brief resting period of a few minutes before serving. This short rest lets flavors meld and helps the casserole set slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your homemade, comforting side dish!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the best Green Bean Casserole is simple with these expert tips.

Perfect Green Beans: If using fresh beans, blanch them for 3-5 minutes until crisp-tender. This keeps them vibrant and prevents a mushy texture in the oven. Drain them very well.
Seasoning Wisely: Taste your soup mixture before adding salt. If using unsalted cream of mushroom soup, you will need more salt than with regular varieties.
Crispy Topping: Spread the French fried onions evenly over the top. For extra crispiness, consider a final quick broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Prevent Soggy Casserole: Always drain canned or blanched green beans thoroughly. Excess moisture is the main culprit for a watery casserole.
Make-Ahead Tips: Assemble the casserole mixture (without the final topping of onions) and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the onions right before the final bake. Absolutely delicious!

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile dish offers many options.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Green Bean Casserole with holiday roasts or everyday mains. It complements dishes like mashed potatoes or simple salads. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra fried onions for a festive touch.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container, refrigerated, for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or covered oven. To make ahead, assemble the mixture (without top onions) up to 24 hours prior. Add final onions just before baking. Freeze cooled leftovers for up to 3 months; thaw first.

Variations

Italian-Style: Incorporate cooked pancetta, rosemary, and Pecorino Romano.
Cheesy Version: Mix in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Use plant-based soup and dairy-free milk.
Gluten-Free: Choose GF soup and certified GF fried onions.

Nutrition

Understanding your food helps you make informed dietary choices, which is always helpful. Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this classic Green Bean Casserole. Please remember that specific values can vary depending on the particular brands you choose and any ingredient substitutions you might make. The table below outlines the nutritional information per serving for the condensed soups specifically used in this recipe.

Nutrient (per serving of soup)	Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom	Campbell’s Unsalted Cream of Mushroom	Campbell’s Cream of Celery
Calories	151	151	152
Total Fat (g)	10	10	10
Sat. Fat (g)	3	3	3
Trans Fat (g)	0	0	0
Cholesterol (mg)	2	2	2
Sodium (mg)	513	189	513
Total Carb (g)	14	14	14
Dietary Fiber (g)	2	2	2
Sugar (g)	4	4	3
Protein (g)	3	2	2
Vitamin D (%DV)	1	1	1
Calcium (%DV)	4	4	4
Iron (%DV)	4	4	4
Potassium (%DV)	4	4	4

FAQ

Here are some common questions about making a perfect Green Bean Casserole.

Can I use fresh green beans? Yes, absolutely! Blanch fresh green beans for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp before adding them to the mixture. This ensures they cook evenly in the casserole.
How do I prevent a watery casserole? Always drain your canned or blanched green beans extremely well. Excess moisture is the primary cause of a watery dish.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free? Yes, it can! Simply use a plant-based cream of mushroom soup and a dairy-free milk alternative.
What if I don’t have soy sauce? You can substitute soy sauce with Worcestershire sauce for a similar savory depth. A pinch of garlic powder also works well.
How long does green bean casserole last? Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Can I assemble it the day before? Yes, you can! Prepare the entire mixture (excluding the top layer of French fried onions) and refrigerate it. Add the onions right before baking. Easy!

Conclusion

You now possess all the knowledge and guidance needed to create a truly irresistible Green Bean Casserole with absolute confidence. This incredibly simple yet profoundly delicious side dish promises to bring a wave of comfort and pure joy to any table it graces. We sincerely hope you are excited to try this wonderfully easy recipe very soon, whether for a grand holiday feast or a cozy, memorable family dinner. Go ahead, embrace the simplicity and make this timeless classic entirely your own! We would love for you to share your mouthwatering creations and tell us how much you adored it.