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I can’t get enough of those classic side dishes. I know how it feels when you need a simple recipe, fast. I remember the first time I made green bean casserole for a big dinner. I was so nervous! I wanted a recipe that was foolproof, delicious, and fast.
This version instantly became my signature dish. It’s warm, creamy, and has that satisfying crunch. It just tastes like comfort in a bowl!
I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe with you today. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and truly the easiest dish on the whole holiday menu.
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe
This recipe is a holiday hero for a reason. It’s famous for being fast, easy, and absolutely delicious.
You only need a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. It’s the perfect comfort food side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any Sunday dinner.
You can mix it up and have it ready to bake in under 15 minutes! Plus, who doesn’t love those crunchy, fried onions on top? They make the whole dish special.
Complete Ingredients List
Gather these easy ingredients to get started. You won’t believe how few things you need!
- 2 (411 g) cans cut green beans, drained
- 1 (298 g) can of cream of mushroom soup
- 120 ml milk (whole milk works best for richness)
- 1 ml black pepper
- 1 ml garlic powder
- 1 (170 g) container French-fried onions, divided
Directions for a Perfect Green Bean Casserole
Ready to make your new favorite side dish? This is how simple it is!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 1.4 L casserole dish. A standard 23 x 18 cm baking dish works perfectly.
- Combine the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and the milk until it’s smooth. This is your creamy sauce foundation.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the black pepper and garlic powder. Please give it a taste! You can add a tiny pinch of salt if you like, but the soup usually has enough.
- Fold in the Beans and Onions: Gently add the drained green beans to the sauce mixture. Now, add about half of the French-fried onions. Stir everything carefully until the green beans are fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Transfer to Dish: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula to make sure you get all the yummy sauce!
- First Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. This lets the sauce get hot and bubbly.
- Add the Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining half of the fried onions evenly over the top.
- Final Bake for Crunch: Return the dish to the oven. Bake for another 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and perfectly crispy. Watch them closely so they don’t burn!
- Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool slightly before serving. Get ready for compliments!
Servings and Timing
This recipe is designed for maximum ease and deliciousness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6 to 8 people
This is a great size for a standard family dinner. If you are cooking for a big crowd, you can easily double the recipe. Just be sure to use a larger 3 L casserole dish.
Variations to Make It Your Own
The classic recipe is perfect, but don’t be afraid to try new things! You can easily customize this side dish to suit your tastes.
- Make it Cheesy: Stir in 60 g of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese with the soup mixture. Cheese makes everything better!
- Fresh or Frozen Beans: You can absolutely use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned. Just boil or steam them until tender-crisp first, and then drain them well. You will need about 700 g of fresh or frozen beans.
- Add Meat Flavor: Try adding 60 g of cooked, crumbled bacon or ham to the mixture for a smoky, savory depth. This takes the dish to another level!
- Mushroom Upgrade: For a richer flavor, sauté 100 g of sliced fresh mushrooms (like cremini) in a little butter before adding them to the soup mixture.
- Spice it Up: Add 1 ml of smoked paprika or a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce if you like a little heat.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This dish is a holiday planner’s dream! You can do almost all the work ahead of time.
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are wonderful, but the crispy onions will get a little soft.
- In the Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or put the whole dish back in a 180°C oven until heated through. For extra crunch, top with a few new fried onions before serving!
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prep this entire casserole the day before.
- Follow steps 1–5 exactly: Mix everything, but do not add any of the French-fried onions yet.
- Pour the mixture into your casserole dish.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed in steps 6–8, adding the onions for the last 5 minutes.
Green Bean Casserole FAQs
It’s normal to have a few questions about making a classic like this! Here are some quick answers.
Do I have to use the canned soup?
The canned cream of mushroom soup is what makes this dish so easy and classic. It’s the original! However, you can make a homemade cream sauce if you prefer. Just replace the can of soup with 300 ml of homemade cream sauce.
My onions always burn! What do I do?
The trick is to only add the fried onions for the last few minutes of baking. If you put them on at the beginning, they will definitely burn! Watch them closely during the final 5 minutes—if they brown too fast, cover the dish with foil.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can! Make sure to thaw them first and drain them really well. Excess water will make your casserole watery. You want them as dry as possible before mixing them into the soup.
Tools and Preparation
You don’t need fancy gadgets for this simple recipe. Just a few basics from your kitchen!
- Large mixing bowl: For stirring all the ingredients together.
- Whisk or spoon: To blend the soup and milk smoothly.
- Spatula: For transferring the mixture to the baking dish.
- Casserole dish (1.4 L): A standard 23 x 18 cm dish works best.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure your liquid and seasonings are correct.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the easiest recipes can have a few pitfalls. Keep these tips in mind for a perfect result every time!
- Don’t forget to Drain the Beans: This is the most important step! If your green beans aren’t drained completely, your casserole will be soupy, not creamy.
- Don’t Add All the Onions Too Soon: We covered this, but it’s worth repeating! Only put half in the mix, and save the rest for the last 5 minutes on top.
- Don’t Over-Bake: You are really just heating the mixture through and crisping the top. Baking for too long will dry out the casserole.
Want More Holiday Dinner Recipes?
Don’t stop at just one amazing side dish! If you’re looking for more classic recipes to complete your holiday menu, check out my 10 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes Everyone Will Love post! It’s another quick and easy winner that pairs perfectly with this casserole.
Final Thoughts
That’s all there is to it! I hope you feel totally ready to tackle this easy green bean casserole recipe.
It’s such a simple dish, but it brings so much warmth and comfort to the table. Trust me, once you realize how effortless it is, you’ll be making it all year round.
Go on, grab those few ingredients, and let this classic side dish bring a big smile to your next gathering. I know it will be a huge hit! Happy cooking!
