Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

The Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Whipping up a delectable green bean casserole feels like a culinary adventure that brings comfort and joy to any meal.

Crisp vegetables and creamy textures combine in this simplified dish that anyone can master.

Grandmothers and professional chefs alike appreciate the magic of this classic side.

Home cooking becomes effortless with our streamlined approach to creating a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques mean you can craft this delightful casserole in less than an hour.

Seasonal gatherings or weeknight dinners will sparkle with this irresistible recipe that connects generations through shared flavors.

Why Easy Green Bean Casserole Is Perfect for Busy Days

  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The classic combination of creamy soup, tender green beans, and crispy onion topping appeals to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed family favorite.
  • Versatile Serving Option: This casserole works beautifully as a holiday side dish, potluck contribution, or simple weeknight vegetable accompaniment that adds excitement to any meal.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ingredients like frozen green beans and canned soup creates a cost-effective dish that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

Ingredients for Easy Green Bean Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Green Beans: Fresh frozen green beans that form the vegetable base of this classic casserole.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy soup that provides a rich and savory sauce for the casserole.
  • French Fried Onions: Crispy golden onions that add a crunchy topping to the dish.
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy texture for the sauce.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.
Baking Essentials:
  • Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish used to prepare and bake the casserole.

Instructions to Make Easy Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a delicious side dish that’ll make everyone smile.

Step 2: Create A Creamy Blend

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Milk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, silky mixture that looks incredibly inviting.

Step 3: Coat The Green Beans

Toss in the frozen green beans and stir them around until every single bean is completely covered in the creamy sauce.

Make sure no bean is left behind!

Step 4: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the green bean and sauce mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 5: Initial Baking

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25 minutes.

Your kitchen will start smelling amazing.

Step 6: Add The Crispy Topping

Sprinkle French fried onions generously across the top of the casserole.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions turn a beautiful golden brown and become wonderfully crispy.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and serve immediately while it’s hot.

Watch as everyone reaches for seconds!

Pro Tips to Perfect Easy Green Bean Casserole

  • Combine soup mixture and green beans up to 24 hours before baking to develop deeper flavor profiles.
  • Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
  • Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk for lactose-sensitive guests.
  • Toast additional French fried onions separately before sprinkling on top for extra crispy texture.
  • Mix in diced mushrooms or swap frozen green beans with fresh blanched green beans for more robust taste.

Variations to Simplify or Enhance Easy Green Bean Casserole

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk and use coconut cream instead of cream of mushroom soup for a lactose-free version.
  • Vegan Green Bean Bake: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with homemade cashew cream sauce and use plant-based crispy onion topping for a completely vegan option.
  • Low-Carb Vegetable Swap: Replace green beans with roasted cauliflower or broccoli florets and use crushed pork rinds instead of traditional fried onions for a keto-friendly alternative.
  • Fresh Herb Boost: Add chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage to the soup mixture for an elevated, aromatic green bean casserole with enhanced flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Green Bean Casserole

  • Festive Holiday Companion: Pair this green bean casserole with classic roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a traditional family dinner that brings everyone together.
  • Comfort Meal Partner: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and buttery dinner rolls to create a hearty, satisfying meal that warms the soul on chilly evenings.
  • Potluck Superstar: Bring this casserole to community gatherings or family reunions where it will quickly become a crowd-pleasing side dish that disappears fast.
  • Gourmet Twist Option: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or crispy bacon bits right before serving to add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal to the classic recipe.

How to Store Easy Green Bean Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
  • Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent burning and add fresh crispy onions on top before serving.
  • Portion out desired amount, heat in microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through heating to ensure even warmth. Add extra crispy onions after reheating for crunch.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?

Yes, absolutely! Blanch fresh green beans first, then follow the recipe as usual.

  • Is cream of mushroom soup the only option?

No, you can substitute with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for different flavor variations.

  • How do I make this dish more nutritious?

Add diced mushrooms or chopped bacon for extra flavor and nutrition.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier and refrigerate, just add the fried onions right before baking to keep them crispy.

Print
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Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy classic green bean casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to family dinner tables across America. Crispy fried onions and tender green beans meld perfectly with rich mushroom sauce, creating a side dish you’ll crave at every holiday gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 24 ounces (680 grams) frozen green beans
  • 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) french fried onions

Liquid and Seasoning:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for transforming fresh ingredients into a comforting side dish.
  2. Whisk cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
  3. Gently fold frozen green beans into the creamy base, ensuring each vegetable is thoroughly enrobed with the savory sauce.
  4. Transfer the verdant mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly to promote uniform heating.
  5. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and green beans to become tender.
  6. Liberally crown the casserole with crispy French fried onions, returning to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and delightfully crunchy.
  7. Remove from the oven and let rest briefly before serving, presenting a piping hot dish that promises to delight dinner guests with its rich, comforting appeal.

Notes

  • Choose fresh green beans for enhanced flavor and crispier texture when possible.
  • Swap cream of mushroom soup with homemade mushroom sauce for a healthier, less processed version.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and controlling added salt.
  • Create a gluten-free alternative by using gluten-free fried onions and checking soup ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 140 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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